Health Insurance
No Insurance?
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For residents not able to receive coverage, Community Health Centers of the Central Coast provides sliding-scale medical and dental care. Tolosa Children's Dental Center also provides sliding-scale dental care. CHDP provides free well-child checkups. SLO County Mental Health has a sliding scale, and there are several no and low-cost counseling options. Hospitals also have charity care policies and the Hospital Presumptive Eligibility program may be of assistance.
Emergency care for adults who do not qualify for Medi-Cal may be available through the SLO County Public Health Medically Indigent Services Program: www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Health-Agency/Public-Health/All-Public-Health-Services/Medically-Indigent-Services-Program-(MISP).aspx. For help accessing care, contact a local Family Resource Center (see side bar) or the Public Health Nurse Navigator Program: www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Health-Agency/Public-Health/All-Public-Health-Services/Health-Care-Access-Health-Care-Navigation.aspx. |
Need Help?
Download the Family Resource Center Directory and contact the appropriate Family Resource Center for help from an advocate or other staff member.
Family Resource Centers can help with non-medical needs too, such as food, clothing, and shelter. |
Immigration & Health
For resources related to health care for immigrant families, click here.
Health Insurance Definitions
A premium is a payment that is made by a consumer, usually monthly, to purchase health insurance.
A co-pay is a pre-specified amount that the consumer pays at the doctor's office, pharmacy, or other health care provider to pay for some of the cost. For example, every time you go to the doctor, you may have a $30 copay. Not all health insurance plans have co-pays.
A deductible is the amount that must be paid by the consumer (out-of-pocket) for health care expenses before insurance covers any of the costs. Insurance plans are usually based on yearly deductible amounts. Each person in a family may have their own deductible, and prescription medicines may have their own deductible.
A managed care provider, like CenCal Health or an HMO, has a network of providers that patients can see. Patients must designate a primary care doctor. Then that doctor acts as a gateway for specialized services.
A co-pay is a pre-specified amount that the consumer pays at the doctor's office, pharmacy, or other health care provider to pay for some of the cost. For example, every time you go to the doctor, you may have a $30 copay. Not all health insurance plans have co-pays.
A deductible is the amount that must be paid by the consumer (out-of-pocket) for health care expenses before insurance covers any of the costs. Insurance plans are usually based on yearly deductible amounts. Each person in a family may have their own deductible, and prescription medicines may have their own deductible.
A managed care provider, like CenCal Health or an HMO, has a network of providers that patients can see. Patients must designate a primary care doctor. Then that doctor acts as a gateway for specialized services.