Healthcare Access

See below for resources on navigating the healthcare marketplace and obtaining healthcare

Are you in need of immediate, emergency care?
For medical emergencies, dial 911
For mental health emergencies, dial 988

1. I don't have health insurance, where do I start?
If you reside in California apply to Covered California here.
If you reside outside of the state of California apply for health insurance here.

2. I am a veteran or active military service member or am a dependent of one, what are my options?
• VA Healthcare- check your eligibility and get coverage here.
• TRICARE- check your eligibility and get coverage here.
• Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) check your eligibility and get coverage here.
• Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program (SBHCBP) check your eligibility and get coverage here.


3. Does my job/employer provide health insurance?
• Inquire with HR about employer-sponsored healthcare plans and how to get started
• You may be able to be covered even if you are a temporary or seasonal worker

4. I have health insurance, but my circumstances have changed, what do I need to do?
Circumstances may include:
• income change
• gain or loss of employment,
• household size change
• return from active military service
• change in immigration status
• lost health insurance
• domestic abuse or spousal abandonment
• married or entered domestic partnership
• turned 26 years old
• affected by wildfires

If at least one of the above applies, contact your healthcare plan provider or call 211 to speak with your agent if you are receiving MediCal or Medicaid to report the change and request assistance with your insurance plan.

5. How can I get assistance with paying my healthcare bills?
• There are payment assistance programs offered by some hospitals and healthcare providers for individuals who are unable to afford their medical bills. These programs may provide discounts, reduced payment plans, or charity care.
• Contact the billing department of the healthcare provider to inquire about any available assistance programs.
• Negotiate with your healthcare providers.

In some cases, healthcare providers may be willing to negotiate payment plans or offer discounts for individuals who are uninsured. It's worth discussing your situation directly with the healthcare provider or hospital billing department to explore potential options.

6. I am aging out of Medicaid/Medi-Cal or need additional care due to a disability/a severe medical condition, how can I keep my coverage?
• Medicare is available for those aged 65 and older in addition to some younger individuals with disabilities and certain health conditions
• Get started with Medicare here.

Community Health Centers:
• Offer affordable or free healthcare services to individuals and families who have limited income or are uninsured
• They provide a range of services including preventive care, primary care, dental care, and mental health services

See below resources for community health care clinics in San Diego or use the HRSA tool for finding community health centers if you live elsewhere.
Find a local community health center near you using the HRSA health center finder tool here.

​​​​Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. This is a public health insurance program which provides needed health care services for low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, and pregnant women.

There is an extensive FAQ page that goes over a lot of information.

You can learn more about ways to apply for Medi-Cal as well as tips to speed up your application here.

​​​​Medicaid a public health insurance program which provides needed health care services for low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, and pregnant women. (Medicaid is called Medi-Cal in the state of California.)

There is an extensive FAQ page that goes over a lot of information.

You can learn more about if you qualify and ways to apply for Medi-Cal here.

FHCSD offers a wide range of health care services throughout the region, including 24 primary care clinics, eight dental clinics, 13 behavioral health facilities, an outpatient substance use treatment program, vision, physical therapy departments, two mobile medical units, two mobile counseling centers, and a pharmacy to support services throughout San Diego County.

Services Provided:
Not all services available at every site.

Urgent Care

Flu Shot

Dental Services

Vision Services

Pharmacy

Primary Care

Mental Health Services

Prenatal Support Services

Reproductive Health Servies

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Mulitple locations throughout San Diego County.

La Maestra Community Health Centers (LMCHC) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). They provide primary care, specialty services including behavioral and mental health, chronic disease management and essential support services to men, women and children in San Diego. LMCHC’s main health center is located in City Heights, but they have many locations across the county.

Must be registered as a new patient

Hours:
Monday: 8:30am - 8:00pm
Tuesday: 9am - 8pm
Wednesday: 8:30am - 6:00pm
Thursday: 8am - 6pm
Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 2pm
Sunday: Closed