Health Care for Orange County Children and Young Adults
“No-Cost” Medi-Cal
AGE: birth -21
Citizens or legal residents
Family income limits
1-800-281-9799
Healthy Families
AGE: birth-19
Citizens or legal residents who cannot get MediCal or other insurance
Family Income limits
1-888-747-1222
California Kids
Age 2-19
For individuals who cannot get Medi-Cal, Healthy Families or other health insurance
Family Income limits
1-818-461-1400
Kaiser Permanents Cares for Kids Child Health Plan
AGES birth -19
For individuals who cannot get Medi-Cal, Healthy Families or other health insurance
Family Income limits
1-800-255-5053
Options for the Uninsured
If you are not already insured, the following are several options to consider in seeking coverage:
An independent broker may be able to help you locate a reasonable benefit package. Group insurance is usually preferable to individual insurance.
Getting employed by a large company is the surest way to gain access to group insurance. The best type of plan is a "guaranteed issue" insurance plan, one in which employees are eligible for benefits regardless of health history.
Explore whether there are health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or health care service plans in your community. Coverage can be quite comprehensive through these plans. Many offer one period of open enrollment each year during which applicants are accepted regardless of health history.
If you have been working for 60 days or more, you should be able to keep your medical insurance through the Consolidated Omnibud Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Your employer should be able to tell you, in writing, about your COBRA option.
Parents of school-age children with cancer should explore school life insurance.
Determine whether you can apply for group insurance through fraternal or professional organizations (such as those for retired persons, teachers, social workers, realtors, etc.). Look for a "guaranteed issue" plan.
Explore your eligibility for Medicare, which covers most people who are 65 or older or who are permanently disabled and have been receiving Social Security benefits for approximately 2 years.
Check your eligibility for state or local benefits such as Medicaid if you are in a low-income bracket or are unemployed. If you are currently employed, don't leave your job until you have explored insurance conversion options through your current plan. Many group plans have a clause for conversion to individual plans, although premiums may be considerably higher. These individual plans usually must be applied for within 30 days of termination.
In looking at insurance options, be aware of differences in coverage. Ask about choice of physicians, protections against cancellations, and increases in premiums. Determine what the plan really covers, especially in the event of catastrophic illness. What are the deductibles? (Sometimes higher deductibles go along with better comprehensive coverage.) If you feel an insurance company has treated you unfairly, contact your state insurance commission for further information.
Additional Resources:
Finding and Paying for Healthcare
Sometimes it is difficult to find and pay for the medical care that you need. There are several things you can do to make sure you are getting the best possible care for your needs. Here are some suggestions.
SURVIVOR STORY 9 
