Health Navigation
Getting care should not depend on knowing the system. We help you find low-cost care, apply for the coverage you already qualify for, understand a bill, ask for the discounts hospitals are required to offer, and pay less for prescriptions.
Coverage you may already qualify for
Medi-Cal
California's Medi-Cal now covers income-eligible adults of all ages regardless of immigration status. If your household income is within the limits, you can get full coverage — doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, mental health — at no or very low cost. Applying does not require anyone in the household to disclose the status of anyone who is not applying. We explain what applying means for your household and help you complete it.
Covered California
For households above the Medi-Cal limits, the state marketplace offers plans with income-based subsidies. Enrollment windows and life-event exceptions apply; we help you check.
Emergency and pregnancy coverage
Emergency care and pregnancy-related care are covered in California regardless of status, and a hospital must treat and stabilise an emergency regardless of ability to pay.
Where to get care without insurance
- Community health centers (federally qualified health centers) charge on a sliding scale based on income, serve everyone regardless of status, and offer primary care, dental, mental health and pharmacy. Los Angeles County has dozens.
- County clinics and hospitals through the LA County Department of Health Services, with the My Health LA program for uninsured residents.
- Free clinics run by community organisations and medical schools.
- Urgent care for non-emergency problems when the clinic is closed — far cheaper than an emergency room.
See finding low-cost care for how to find and choose them.
When a bill arrives
Ask for an itemised bill
You have the right to a line-by-line bill. Errors are common: duplicate charges, services not received, wrong codes. We review it with you. See reading a medical bill.
Charity care and discounts
California law requires hospitals to offer free or discounted care to uninsured and under-insured patients whose income is below a set multiple of the federal poverty level, and to tell you about it. Many people are never told. You can apply after the bill arrives, and even after it has gone to collections. We help you apply and follow up.
Payment plans and collections
Hospitals must offer reasonable, interest-free payment plans, and there are limits on when a medical bill can be sent to collections and on wage garnishment for medical debt. Medical debt is treated differently from other debt on credit reports. Do not put a medical bill on a credit card before exploring these steps.
Prescriptions
- Ask for the generic and the cash price; it is sometimes lower than the insurance copay.
- Free discount programs (pharmacy cards, manufacturer assistance, county programs) can cut prices sharply.
- Community health center pharmacies often have the lowest prices for uninsured patients.
- Never buy prescription medicines from an unlicensed source or an online seller that does not require a prescription.
Mental health
Community health centers, county mental health services and community organisations offer counselling at low or no cost, in Spanish, French and other languages. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and we will help you find someone who understands your story.
How we help
- Explain what you qualify for and help you apply.
- Find the right clinic near you, in your language.
- Review a bill, request an itemised statement, apply for charity care, negotiate a plan.
- Find prescription savings.
- Bridge an urgent cost through the Hardship Fund when timing requires it.
Need help today?
Free, confidential, in your language. Or fund the next family's relief.