LAKE COUNTY >> Obtaining personal and family health coverage and gaining access to Medi-Cal benefits is now easier.
On Sept. 30, the Lake County Department of Social Services (LCDSS) was awarded $77,500 in grant funds through the County Medical Services Program Medi-Cal Outreach and Enrollment Pilot Project. LCDSS has partnered with North Cost Opportunities (NCO), the Lake County Probation Department and the Lake County Sheriff”s Office in a two-year project to increase awareness of and enrollment in low- and no-cost health coverage through California”s Medi-Cal program.
“NCO and LCDSS have a strong history of working together to address the needs of our community, and we will continue this relationship as we work together to increase enrollment and participation in the Medi-Cal program,” Patty Bruder, NCO executive director, said.
Medi-Cal is California”s Medicaid health care program. With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in January, more people than ever qualify for Medi-Cal coverage. Anyone can apply for Medi-Cal benefits and, if determined eligible, the program will pay for a variety of medical services for children and adults with low to moderate incomes.
In Lake County, where more than 63,000 people reside, approximately 20 percent, or 12,800 residents, report that they have no health insurance. Many individuals and families who need medical coverage are unaware that they may in fact qualify for benefits.
Currently, the annual income limit for a single adult is $16,105, and the annual income limit for a family of four is $63,441. There are also special programs that may assist people with income levels above these to qualify for Medi-Cal. LCDSS can also assist with enrollment in subsidized and unsubsidized health insurance through California”s health insurance exchange, Covered California.
Much of the project will focus on informing and enrolling particularly underserved and at-risk populations through outreach at community events, such as farmer”s markets, health and wellness fairs and food pantries.
The Medi-Cal application process is confidential. Applications may be completed online or submitted by mail. For more information, visit: www.c4yourself.com, www.coveredca.com, call LCDSS at 995-4200 or apply in person at 15975 Anderson Ranch Parkway in Lower Lake.
