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Southern California Low Income Family Health Coverage

Southern Californian families with no or low income may have several health insurance options. Financed by the federal and state government, programs such as Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal and the Health Families Program provide coverage to Southern California families in need. The California Department of Health Care Services offers a one-stop-shop website to learn information about each of these options.

  1. Medi-Cal

    • Medi-Cal is the name of California's Medicaid program. Medicaid is a state-run health insurance program offered to financially needy individuals and their families. To qualify, you must meet income requirements. Those enrolled in other assistance programs, such as Social Security Disability Income or CalWorks, will qualify for Medi-Cal. To apply for Medi-Cal, visit or call your Southern California Medi-Cal county office. You can also call 888-284-0623 to reach a representative who can provide you with more information about what Medi-Cal services are available for you and your family.

    Denti-Cal

    • The dental insurance component to Medi-Cal is Denti-Cal. Unlike Medi-Cal, which is available to adults, Denti-Cal is only available to low-income children under age 21. Pregnant women and those adults in skilled nursing facilities who are covered under Medi-Cal will also receive Denti-Cal benefits. Though adult dental insurance was offered prior to July 2009, the state no longer receives funds to maintain an adult program. To find a dentist for your child in Southern California, you can search by county and review listings by city.

    Healthy Families Program

    • For uninsured children, ages 19 and younger, who are not eligible for Medi-Cal, California offers the Healthy Families Program. HFP provides integrated, full-coverage health, dental and vision insurance programs for children who fall above the income requirements of Medi-Cal but cannot afford private insurance. HFP qualification is based on the parent's household income; however, if the child lives with a legal guardian, stepparent or foster parent, their income is not considered. HFP has many health care providers located in Southern California.

    Resources

    • The California Department of Health Care Services provides a variety of resources to Southern California residents with low incomes. The DHCS website answers dozens of "frequently asked questions" and offers consumer guides and brochures with information on the Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal and other available state programs. Additionally, toll-free consumer help lines provide assistance with the Denti-Cal program (800-322-6384) and the HFP (800-880-5305). The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services is available at 877-481-1044. Other counties' numbers can be found on the DHCS website.

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