Lost Health Insurance Due to Covid-19? We can Help- Oct. 2, 2020
One out of every six people is no longer employed due to the COVID-19 health pandemic. That is heartbreaking for those who face this hardship. When it comes to accessing healthcare, we want to help. At One Community Health, we are dedicated to serving our community regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, orientation, or ability to pay. And we are more committed to that mission now, more than ever, during this pandemic. If you have lost health insurance coverage and are looking for a free clinic in the Sacramento area, we are here to serve you and your family with high-quality healthcare and assistance with finding new coverage. Lost health insurance due to Covid-19?
What are my options?
Thirty-six million Americans have now lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is estimated that by the end of June up to 7.3 million people will have lost health insurance coverage. If you find yourself in this position, we want you to know that you are not alone—we are here to help. We believe that healthcare is a right and that you should not be denied access based on lack of income or insurance. Our team is standing by to help you. Here are some options available to you if you have lost health insurance coverage through your job.
COBRA
If you were covered through your employer, this program allows you to extend health insurance coverage for up to 18 months. You generally have 60 days to sign up. Unfortunately, COBRA is very expensive—you’ll be paying the full premium, including the amount your employer covered for you. You’ll also be responsible for the administrative fees your employer previously paid. Some people find that they can’t afford not to have their same insurance plan, especially if they are in the middle of a course of treatment and have met their deductible. The good news, though, is that COBRA is not your only option.
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is a program that offers free or low-cost health coverage for children and adults with limited income and resources. If you qualify, you can enroll in Medi-Cal year-round.
Covered California
Covered California is our state’s health insurance marketplace. This means Californians can get affordable, high-quality insurance coverage from top insurance companies through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
County Health Programs
If you are uninsured and are not eligible for Medi-Cal or Covered California, you may qualify for limited health services through your county. It is important to note that these programs are not insurance plans and therefore they don’t provide full health coverage. You can find information for your specific county here.
One Community Health is an FQHC
An FQHC is a Federally Qualified Health Center, or more commonly known as a Community Health Center. They are outpatient clinics that receive specific reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. As such, we provide comprehensive primary care and preventive care, including health, oral, and mental health/substance abuse services to persons of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and orientations regardless of ability to pay or health insurance status. Simply put, we provide medical and mental health services free of charge for those who cannot pay or do not have health insurance.
Community Resources at OCH
Lost health insurance due to Covid-19? Our Community Resources team at One Community Health is standing by to help those in need. If you or someone you know needs help finding food, health insurance, healthcare, or help in signing up for other forms of assistance, please let us know. We will gladly support anyone who needs help in navigating the systems that exist to get you through this tough time. There is no charge to see or talk to someone. You can do this in two ways—by phone or in person. Either way, call 916-443-3299 and ask to speak to or make an appointment with a Community Resource staff member. In our coming blog posts we will discuss Medi-Cal and Covered California in more detail, including who qualifies for what coverage.
