Healthcare Access Tips - November 2023

If You Have Health Insurance

Quickly choose a doctor/primary care provider and schedule a physical exam to solidly establish yourself as a patient. Physical exams are usually scheduled 1-2 months out, so don’t wait! As an established patient, it will be much easier for you to get an appointment if/when you become ill or injured.

When you need a medical appointment but find that the earliest available is days or weeks later – schedule the appointment! You can always cancel if you don’t need it, but chances are you’ll be glad you have it.

Schedule a physical exam every year. Don’t underestimate the importance of preventive care and early recognition and treatment of health problems.

If You Do Not Have Health Insurance

apply for coverage through Medi-Cal if eligible. If not eligible for Medi-Cal, apply through Covered California: https://www.coveredca.com/

Is it easy to apply for Medi-Cal or Covered California? No – it is a process that requires gathering and submitting various documents. But if you are persistent and put in the effort to get it done, you will enjoy many benefits including: avoiding possible tax penalties for being uninsured, increased peace of mind, and more timely and affordable medical care when you need it.

The open enrollment period for Covered CA usually runs from November through January. You can apply at other times during the year only if you have a qualifying life event (recent employment, recent loss of job, recently married or divorced). It can take time to apply, so DO NOT wait until the last minute. You can save yourself time and effort by taking advantage of in-person, telephone, and/or online support available to assist you with the application process.

What is Family PACT?

Family PACT (Family Planning, Access, Care, and Treatment) is a program that provides free and confidential family planning and related services to those who qualify. These FREE SERVICES include birth control, emergency contraception, STI & HIV testing and treatment, cervical cancer screening, and more. And the application process is relatively easy.

For more information: https://familypact.org/