California

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The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in California. If you currently have health insurance or have just lost health insurance coverage within the past 60 days, visit the health insurance section of our Web site for additional options available to you.  

California Department of Insurance - (800) 927-4357 visit the Website or call for questions on Indemnity and PPO health plans.
In California, state law allows health insurance companies to turn people down for individual health insurance coverage based on the status of their health. In most cases, diabetes is considered an “uninsurable” condition. Even though you can be turned down for an individual policy in California, you can never be turned down for health insurance that is offered through an employer.

If you are having a problem with your state-regulated health plan and you are unable to resolve it with the plan directly, file a complaint with the Insurance Department. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.

California Department of Managed Care - (888) 466-2219 visit the Web site call for questions on HMO health plans.

In California, state law allows health insurance companies to turn people down for individual health insurance coverage based on the status of their health. In most cases, diabetes is considered an “uninsurable” condition. Even though you can be turned down in California, you can never be turned down for health insurance that is offered through an employer.

If you are having a problem with your state-regulated health plan and you are unable to resolve it with the plan directly, file a complaint with the Department of Managed Care. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.

California MediCal - Department of Health Services - (916) 636-1980
This program is available to anyone who meets income and eligibility criteria. Even if your income meets the criteria, you must fall into one of the eligibility categories in order to qualify. Contact your state Medicaid program for more information.

California Major Medical Insurance Program(PDF) - (800) 289-6574
The California Major Medical Insurance Program (MrMIP) is the California state high-risk pool. This program allows individual health insurance policies to be sold to people who might otherwise be considered “uninsurable” for this type of policy because of a chronic illness. Premiums may be high, and a pre-existing condition period may apply. Contact MrMIP for more information.

Healthy Families- State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (800) 880- 5305
Healthy Families is the children’s health insurance program designed to provide coverage to children and teens up to age 19 whose families may have too great an income to qualify for MediCal, but who may not be able to afford health insurance. Visit the Web site to find out if you or your child meets the income guidelines.

If you or your loved one is unable to see a physician due to the cost of care, there may be a local community health clinic in your area. These clinics generally are free to patients or require a very small fee. Find a clinic in your area.

Having trouble finding or keeping adequate or affordable health insurance coverage? Become a diabetes advocate!