Insurance keeps you healthy and financially covered when you need
it most.
Health coverage can be complicated. That’s why we offer free
assistance to help you apply and get health coverage. We can let
you know which programs you may qualify for, explain how they
work, what it may cost, and then help you apply.
Schedule a health coverage screening appointment even if you
think you might not qualify or if you have private, non-employer
sponsored insurance. Legal immigration status is not required to
access free or low-cost health insurance in San Mateo County. If
you are under age 26 and currently not employed, but covered by a
parent’s private insurance plan, you might qualify for subsidized
coverage through Medi-Cal.
For Kids and Families with Kids
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is free or low-cost health coverage for children and
adults with limited income and resources. There are many
different types of low cost Medi-Cal health coverage programs
based on age and income, and for people with disabilities.
Depending on monthly income, some people may qualify for “no
cost” Medi-Cal, which means they receive benefits for free.
Others may qualify for “share of cost” Medi-Cal and are required
to meet a deductible during the month that medical services are
needed before Medi-Cal starts to pay for services.
Undocumented residents can access restricted emergency and
pregnancy-related services only, but can receive subsidized
healthcare through a supplemental County program (see Healthy
Kids below).
Young adults under age 26 who were actively receiving foster care
services on their 18th birthday are entitled to no cost
Medi-Cal regardless of current income, property and household
status.
Covered California
You may qualify for tax credits and/or cost-sharing reductions to
help pay for private insurance plans and their co-payments and
deductibles through Covered
California. Five plans are available to San Mateo County
residents, each offering four levels of coverage.
For Adults
Medi-Cal
There are many different types of Medi-Cal based on age and
income, and programs for people with disabilities. Depending on
monthly income, some people may qualify for “no cost” Medi-Cal,
which means they receive benefits for free. Others may qualify
for “share of cost” Medi-Cal and make payments to meet a monthly
deductible.
Undocumented residents can access restricted emergency and
pregnancy-related services only, but can receive subsidized
healthcare through a supplemental County program (see ACE below).
If you are a working adult age 19-64 with a diagnosed disability
and receive Social Security benefits under the Title II or Title
XVI Social Security programs, be sure to ask to be screened for
the 250% FPL Working Disabled program.
ACE
The Access to Care for Everyone (ACE) Program is a health
coverage option available at the San Mateo Medical Center main
campus and clinics, at Ravenswood Family Health Center in East
Palo Alto and North East Medical Services (NEMS) in Daly City.
ACE provides health benefits for uninsured residents of San Mateo
County, age 19 and older, with low income.
ACE charges a non-refundable enrollment fee of $360 for 12 months
of health coverage that can be waived depending on your income.
Most services require a $15 co-pay, which can also be waived if
you meet income requirements.
ACE does not meet the requirements of providing minimum benefits
coverage under the Affordable Care Act and ACE coverage will not
satisfy the requirement of carrying full healthcare coverage for
9 out of 12 months within a given tax year. Therefore, ACE
members might still be liable for an annual tax penalty on their
income tax return. Please consult with a tax professional for
more information.
Medicare
This program covers
people 65 and older and those under 65 with a Social Security
approved disability.
Discounted Healthcare Program
This program provides discounts of up to 65% on all care at San
Mateo Medical Center and its clinics, including prescriptions,
for adults who are uninsured and meet income requirements.
Covered California
You may qualify for tax credits and/or cost-sharing reductions to
help pay for private insurance plans and their co-payments and
deductibles through Covered
California. Five plans are available to San Mateo County
residents, each offering four levels of coverage. To find out
more, visit coveredca.com.
For Family Planning
Family Planning, Access and
Treatment Program (PACT) provides access to emergency
contraception, and prevention, screening, and treatment of most
sexually transmitted diseases.
For Prescriptions
The Prescription
Assistance Program helps eligible adults afford certain
prescriptions.
