Health Coverage Awareness Month
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
Health coverage, or health insurance, is what helps us to pay for medical care. But insurance can be complicated, so we’re using Health Coverage Awareness Month to talk about health coverage options.
What is health coverage?
Health coverage is a type of insurance plan you apply for or buy to have portions of any medical care you may need covered by the insurance company.
Where do you get health coverage?
There are a few places to get health coverage:
- Through your employer
- Individual plans
- Through the government
Government Health Coverage
Government health coverage plans are offered to:
- Low-income adults
- Families with children
- Seniors
- Persons with disabilities
- Pregnant women
- Children in foster care and former foster youth up to age 26
There are several government health coverage plans available. Government health coverage plans include:
- Medicare
- Medi-Cal (also known as Medicaid)
- Covered California
Test your eligibility for these plans HERE.
When do you get health coverage?
The time to sign up for or change your health coverage plan is called open enrollment. Open enrollment happens at different times for different companies and states. So, whether you receive health care through your employer or the government, it is important to be aware of these dates.
- Open Enrollment Periods for Government Plans
- Covered California: October 15 through January 31
- Medicare: October 15 through December 7
- If you qualify, you can enroll in Medi-Cal year-round
What does every health insurance plan include?
All health insurance plans must cover “essential health benefits.” These benefits are:
- Outpatient care
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
- Pregnancy and newborn care
- Mental health and substance abuse services
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitation services
- Lab tests
- Preventive and wellness services
- Dental and vision care for children
While these benefits must be included in all plans, every plan offers varying levels of cost to you. Read more about what is covered by health insurance HERE.
Covered California plans include additional benefits for American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Learn more HERE.
Why is health coverage important?
You can’t predict when you might get sick or injured, and medical care can be very expensive. Getting sick or injured when you don’t have health insurance can lead to dept and even bankruptcy. When sickness or injury happen, the last thing you should worry about is medical costs. Instead, you should focus on healing. Having health insurance can protect you from having to pay those expensive costs.
Additionally, in California most people are required by law to have health insurance. Not having insurance can result in having to pay a tax penalty.
I’m American Indian, why should I care about health coverage?
There is no charge to American Indians for care at Chapa-De. However, most services outside of our clinic are not offered free of charge. This includes appointments with medical specialists, hospital stays, emergency room visits and medical x-rays.
What health coverage plans does Chapa-De accept?
- All Medi-Cal plans that are available in our area including straight Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal managed care plans from Anthem Blue Cross and California Health & Wellness
- Medicare Part A & B insurance plans – we do not accept Medicare Advantage plans
We also offer a special Sliding Scale Program for uninsured patients. Under this program, patients can qualify for a discount off our fees based on your annual income and family size. We highly suggest using this as a last resort, please call to schedule an appointment with our Eligibility Specialist, Gilbert Riojas, to determine which programs and benefits can help make healthcare more affordable. Gilbert can be reached at 530-887-2800 ext. 2883.
Learn more about Chapa-De’s eligibility and payment options HERE.
For general questions or concerns regarding your care at Chapa-De, please call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2800 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community
Members
Chapa-De Indian Healthcare Auburn Grass Valley