Free Or Low Cost Clinics San Francisco County And City
Community clinics in San Francisco and health care centers can provide free or low cost medical or dental care to San Francisco area individuals. Many of the health care services are targeted at those who are low income, unemployed, uninsured, or people who do not qualify for Medi-Cal or Medicare. Get free health care in San Franciso from clinics below, and they assist the low income and people with no insurance.
Many of the clinics are staffed by volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, and medical professionals, yet all services provided are of the highest quality. As just an example of some of the free or low cost services provided by the community clinics in San Francisco include general physical exams, free prescription medications, acute care and minor procedures, mental health screening , family care, preventive health care, , and specialty referral to other local hospitals and non-profit organizations.
Find a listing of nonprofit community health clinics that are targeting San Francisco’s low income and struggling population. The centers offer comprehensive health care services to a variety of individuals and families, the majority of whom are or low-income , unemployed, or uninsured.
Ambulatory Surgery Access Coalition Operation Access This a referral network.Address is 115 Sansome Street, Suite 1205 San Francisco, California 94104Main phone number – 733-0052
Best Health Insurance For The Unemployed
COBRA can be a worthy option for the recently unemployed, but those plans are expensive.
Gamil Kharfan, CEO of Miami-based Claro Insurance, says the recently enacted American Rescue Plan now enables unemployed Americans to become eligible for a subsidized ACA health plan.
Today, if you are unemployed and are receiving an unemployment subsidy, you can enroll in a subsidized health plan if you had an income equivalent to 133% of the federal poverty level. This basically means a zero-premium plan for you and your family, says Kharfan.
However, Jacquelynn Neat, president/founder of Indigo Care Partners, Inc., in Overland Park, Kansas, says you may have trouble affording health insurance if you dont have income.
Thats why the individual plans available on Healthcare.gov are an excellent option, and you may qualify for a subsidy depending on your estimated annual income. Plus, your dependent children may even qualify for free premiums, Neat says.
Medicaid Expansion For The Unemployed
Under the Affordable Care Act, states have the option to expand Medicaid to families with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. To rapidly absorb the unemployed into affordable coverage, states should have the option to further expand Medicaid to two categories of enrollees: 1) individuals who are receiving unemployment insurance benefits or who were receiving unemployment insurance benefits that expired during the public health emergency and 2) families with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. As under the current Medicaid program, eligible individuals who are enrolled in ACA coverage or employer coverage would be able to switch to Medicaid.
For the first eligibility category, states would automatically enroll in Medicaid all individuals who receive unemployment insurance benefits or food stampsunder the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program regardless of their income. This auto-enrollment would be similar to the current Express Lane Eligibility option, in which several states enroll children in Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program based on their SNAP eligibility.
States would guarantee continuous eligibility for these enrollees until the end of the public health emergency, at which point their eligibility would be redetermined. If they are no longer receiving unemployment insurance benefits, they would qualify for Medicaid under the second eligibility category.
Don’t Miss: Can I Apply For Food Stamps While On Unemployment
Explore Health Insurance Policies With Health For California
While becoming unemployed can be stressful for individuals and families, having comprehensive health insurance that protects you and your dependents can help reduce the financial strain of paying out of pocket for medical services. However, you can also partner with organizations like Health for California, which understand everything about the health insurance application and enrollment process.
We work with you to find a health insurance policy that meets your medical and financial needs. Our process and app are easy-to-use, intuitive, accurate and free. With agents who are experts in the field, we can provide you with the personalized care you need and can answer all questions you might have completely free of charge.
What Does A Family Physician Do
A family physician can provide the broadest range of medical care services for every member of your family. A family doctor provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages, from young children to adults and seniors. A family physician will be able to perform all of the physical exams and preventative screenings necessary to help you and your family prioritize your long-term health. In addition to delivering ongoing preventative care, family doctors can treat acute illness and minor injuries, as well as provide ongoing care and support for chronic conditions. A family doctor has extensive knowledge that allows them to care for a wide range of patients with an array of health histories and concerns, making them an excellent choice for every patient looking for effective, compassionate medical treatment and ongoing care from a trusted medical professional.
Recommended Reading: When Will Ohio Get The 300 Unemployment
Coverage And Federal Cost Estimates
The federal cost of the Medicaid expansion for the unemployedincluding the federal Medicaid option in states that opt outcan be determined by estimating the cost of each new eligibility category: 1) individuals who are unemployed and 2) families with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
For the first category, a key input is the number of people who become unemployed and lose employer coverage. Of those who lose employer coverage, an estimated 6.2 million people will gain ACA coverage and 7.3 million will become uninsured13.6 million people in total. Under the proposal, all 13.6 million people would be automatically enrolled in Medicaid.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Office of the Actuary, the per-enrollee cost of Medicaid in 2017 was $3,836 for children and $5,669 for adults. After accounting for inflationusing CMS growth projectionsas well as average family size, the average cost per family member in 2021 would be $5,630. Multiplying this per-person cost by 13.6 million people yields a total cost of $76.4 billion for this eligibility category in 2021.
According to CMS, the per-enrollee cost of Medicaid for adults, inflated to 2021, is $6,311 children in this income group already qualify for CHIP. Multiplying this per-enrollee cost by 7.2 million people yields a total cost of $45.5 billion for this eligibility category in 2021.
Best For Families: Oscar
Oscar offers the best value for family health insurance that wont eat up your savings fund while youre unemployed.
-
Free concierge and virtual visits
-
Pays up to $100 per year for step tracking
-
Smaller provider network
-
Doesnt pay for out-of-network care
When you become unemployed and lose company-sponsored health insurance, your dependents also will be dropped from coverage. Oscar offers a few options to help reduce costs for large families. The insurers plans are eligible for tax credits that can reduce your monthly premiums significantly if your income is less than four times the federal poverty level.
Policies also include a cap on family deductibles your overall deductible will never exceed twice the individual deductible no matter how large your household is. For these reasons and more, we selected Oscar as best for families of all the providers we reviewed.
Coverage is easy to purchase online or by downloading the Oscar smartphone app, which includes a few additional perks. Use the app to get virtual care or contact the free concierge service staffed by experts who can help you schedule appointments and refill prescriptions. If you sync the app with your smartphones step counter, youll earn a dollar for every day that you meet your step goal, up to $100 per year.
Don’t Miss: How Much Is Unemployment In Michigan
Questioning Whether Discrimination Is Present
Although middle-income persons occasionally described specific medical encounters in the past as racist, they rarely reported discrimination by their current physician. An exception was a 63-year-old minister who had diabetes and was on renal dialysis, having been refused a renal transplant. He reflected on his experiences with physicians, acknowledging that while there were numerous physicians who had treated him with concern, there were nevertheless many he had encountered who did not: They dont expect you to ask questions, and when you do, it frustrates them. They dont know that you and I are different from them. We dont even react the same way. And they havent thought of how you should be, but you should conform to their way of thinking. And thats not the way it is. And they know nothing about your culture, period. So my confidence is small.
Dissatisfaction With Health Care Among Low
In contrast to middle-income respondents, expressions of dissatisfaction with the health care system by low-income respondents were common. Although middle-income respondents sometimes reported problems with the health care system, such as getting their insurance to cover a medication or approve a treatment, those efforts were never of the same magnitude as for low-income persons, who reported fighting to receive basic health care.
Low-income persons spent much greater portions of time dealing with the health care bureaucracy. They were preoccupied with how to access the system and what to do in an emergency. They reported that dealing with the health care system was an ongoing challenge and drain on their energies. For example, a 42-year-old unemployed woman who had asthma and heart disease said, If you miss an appointment at their clinic, or with their doctors, you have to wait in line for another appointment. And weeks go by. I be forever not seein the doctor. Yeah, I be sick, and I be sayin the only way that you get seen out there be if you dyin. Few low-income respondents reported routine visits to a physician, in contrast to middleincome respondents, most of whom saw their physicians routinely. Low-income respondents were much more likely to see physicians only when a new health problem arose.
Also Check: How Long Does Unemployment Debit Card Take To Arrive
How Can I Get Health Insurance With No Job
It is possible to apply for and receive health care insurance coverage when you are unemployed. Among your options are COBRA, Medicaid, CHIP , a Healthcare.gov plan, a short-term plan or a catastrophic coverage plan.
If you are not eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, your best option for affordable yet comprehensive coverage is a subsidized Bronze-level plan from the federal or state ACA marketplace. Low- and middle-income applicants often pay little or nothing out of pocket for premiums to carry this type of coverage, notes Martucci.
What Is The Cheapest Health Insurance
Short-term and catastrophic coverage plans are usually the cheapest health insurance options for anyone who recently has lost their job. However, there are downsides to both. Short-term coverage lasts only for up to one year and is banned or restricted in some states. Youll need to be younger than 30 years old or meet low-income requirements to qualify for catastrophic coverage, and even if you do, those low premiums come at the expense of high deductibles.
Don’t Miss: Kentucky Unemployment 1099 G Online
Access To Health Insurance
At the San Francisco Free Clinic, we provide a safety net for people without health insuranceproviding medical care for the uninsured.
We strongly believe that everyone should have health insurance, and if you do not, we can help you explore your insurance options, while providing the care you need until you have coverage.
If you are already receiving care with us, please call us at 750-9894 for an appointment with our social worker, who is a certified Covered California enrollment counselor.
Patient Reviews And Feedback
Dr. Asefi is a very patient and kind doctor, and his diagnosis is correct. At the same time, their secretary is very responsible and organized. I am really grateful
Yasna A.
Great medical office, wonderful and warm experience from start to finish. Appreciate Dr. Pashaei taking time to go over the diagnosis clearly and treatment options. Dr. Sepid is terrific. Knowledgeable, sensitive, informative. Highly recommended
Ilnaz M.
Very helpful pharmacist and amazing staff. Professional and very considerate about all patients. Dr. Sepideh Nasafat really helped me with my needs. Thank you.
Eli A.
Recommended Reading: Does Filing For Unemployment Hurt Your Credit
What Is A Health Insurance Plan
Health insurance is a form of insurance coverage that pays for all your medical expenses in the form of prescription drugs, hospitalization, office visit fees, surgical treatment, and so on.
It helps to learn all you can about health insurance before you commit to a plan, especially if youre buying it on your own. While its no longer required for all Americans to be insured, some states will charge a penalty if youre uninsured, so check your state laws to see if that applies.
According to the federal government, here are 10 essential benefits that a typical insurance plan includes:
- Ambulatory patient services
- Parents or spouses health insurance plan
Heres a rundown of each of these unemployment health insurance options.
Why Are People Uninsured
Most of the nonelderly in the U.S. obtain health insurance through an employer, but not all workers are offered employer-sponsored coverage or, if offered, can afford their share of the premiums. Medicaid covers many low-income individuals however, Medicaid eligibility for adults remains limited in some states. Additionally, renewal and other policies that make it harder for people to maintain Medicaid likely contributed to Medicaid enrollment declines. While financial assistance for Marketplace coverage is available for many moderate-income people, few people can afford to purchase private coverage without financial assistance. Some people who are eligible for coverage under the ACA may not know they can get help and others may still find the cost of coverage prohibitive.
Key Details:
- Cost still poses a major barrier to coverage for the uninsured. In 2019, 73.7% of uninsured nonelderly adults said they were uninsured because coverage is not affordable, making it the most common reason cited for being uninsured .
Figure 7: Reasons for Being Uninsured among Uninsured Nonelderly Adults, 2019
Recommended Reading: Nj Unemployment 1099 G Form
Individual Insurance And Aca Exchanges
Individual health insurance was once only affordable to people who were young and in perfect health. Before the ACA, health insurers based individual health insurance premiums on your health status and pre-existing conditions. That led to sky-high premiums for people who werent in excellent health. An insurer could even deny health insurance coverage because of a pre-existing condition.
The ACA changed that. Now, health insurers must accept you regardless of your health status and you wont have to pay exorbitantly higher premiums if youre not in perfect health.
You can get an individual plan, also called nongroup insurance, either as part of the ACA exchanges or off the exchanges directly from the health insurer.
The ACA divides plans by metal level. The level depends on premiums, out-of-pocket costs, how much cost the insurer will cover and how much the member will pay:
- Bronze: Health plan pays 60% on average for health care services. You pay 40%.
- Silver: Health plan pays 70% on average. You pay 30%.
- Gold: Health plan pays 80% on average. You pay 20%.
- Platinum: Health plan pays 90% on average. You pay 10%.
This means you pay lower premiums but more out-of-pocket costs if you choose a Bronze or Silver plan compared to the others. On the other hand, Platinum and Gold have the highest premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs.
Pro: Plans offer ACA protections, including the 10 essential health benefits, such as outpatient, maternity and prescription drugs.
Find New Insurance Plan On State Marketplace
If COBRA isnt for you, you can find plans and policies that fit your needs and budget by enrolling with a new provider on your states insurance marketplace. This method will allow you to explore private insurance carriers and policies to get the coverage you need.
When considering this option, youll need to be careful about enrollment periods. Marketplace enrollment only occurs once a year, usually around early November through mid-December. However, you can qualify for a special enrollment period if you have a significant lifestyle change, like losing your coverage, getting married or having a child. This option will let you enroll in insurance outside of the expected timeframe, so you can receive health insurance in the weeks after losing your job.
While Marketplace can help you find more affordable coverage options, you cant guarantee that youll have the same coverage as before. When choosing between COBRA and Marketplace options, youll want to consider all factors, from price and income to available benefits and coverage.
Read Also: How Do I Reopen My Unemployment Claim
What Are The Financial Implications Of Being Uninsured
The uninsured often face unaffordable medical bills when they do seek care. These bills can quickly translate into medical debt since most of the uninsured have low or moderate incomes and have little, if any, savings.26,27
Key Details:
- Those without insurance for an entire calendar year pay for nearly half of their care out-of-pocket.28 In addition, hospitals frequently charge uninsured patients much higher rates than those paid by private health insurers and public programs.29,30,31
- Uninsured nonelderly adults are much more likely than their insured counterparts to lack confidence in their ability to afford usual medical costs and major medical expenses or emergencies. More than three quarters of uninsured nonelderly adults say they are very or somewhat worried about paying medical bills if they get sick or have an accident, compared to 47.6% of adults with Medicaid/other public insurance and 46.1% of privately insured adults .
- Medical bills can put great strain on the uninsured and threaten their financial well-being. In 2019, nonelderly uninsured adults were nearly twice as likely as those with private insurance to have problems paying medical bills .32 Uninsured adults are also more likely to face negative consequences due to medical bills, such as using up savings, having difficulty paying for necessities, borrowing money, or having medical bills sent to collections resulting in medical debt.33
Figure 10: Problems Paying Medical Bills by Insurance Status, 2019
