These tips are provided by “We Connect”

Consider COBRA (but act fast)
If you lose job-based coverage, you only have a short window to make decisions that affect your health insurance options. The federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and state law (Cal-COBRA) give workers and their families the right to continue group health benefits for at least 18 months, but only if they enroll within 60 days of losing their health coverage.

The Federal Government May Partially Offset the Cost
Usually, you’d have to pay your premium share, your former employer’s share, and an administrative charge to keep coverage under COBRA or Cal-COBRA. But if you lost job-based coverage after September 2008, the federal government will pay 65 percent of the cost of COBRA continuation coverage through December 2009.
Get Connected

Local Community Health Centers and Clinics Can Help
If you can’t afford or qualify for coverage, care is available through community health centers and other safety-net providers, which are located in most California communities.
Get Connected to locate a clinic near you.

County-sponsored Programs for Adults
Uninsured single adults who are not eligible for Medi-Cal may qualify for the County Medical Services Program (CMSP) providing health coverage for low-income, indigent adults in 34, primarily rural counties in California.
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Hospitals Must Treat Your Emergency
Federal law requires that all hospitals treat and stabilize any patient experiencing a medical emergency, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

Coverage for Kids
Parents should consider coverage for their children through public insurance programs such as Medi-Cal and California Children’s Services (CCS).
Get Connected and find out what programs are available.

For Moms and Children
Access for Infants & Mothers (AIM) and Women-Infant-Children (WIC) offer special health care services to women and infants in need.
Get Connected AIM or 800.433.2611

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