Health coverage & care costs

Medi-Cal vs. Covered California: Which One Do You Qualify For?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid, free or low cost up to 138% of poverty. Above that, Covered California sells plans with federal and state help.

Medicaid Renewal Packet: What to Send and When It's Due

Sign the Medicaid renewal form, fix wrong answers and send only the proof it lists by the due date. You get at least 30 days, plus 90 days after a cutoff.

Does Medicare Pay for Wheelchairs? The Order, Supplier and Costs

Medicare Part B pays 80% for a wheelchair you need at home. See the doctor visit, order, supplier and prior approval steps that come first.

Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN): Which Option Keeps Your Appeal Rights

Option 1 on a Medicare ABN is the only box that bills Medicare and keeps your appeal. What to check before you sign, what you owe, and the 120-day appeal.

Marketplace Open Enrollment 2027: How to Apply or Switch Plans

2027 Marketplace open enrollment starts Nov. 1 in most states. Find your marketplace, gather documents, compare plans, enroll by Dec. 15 (Dec. 31 in CA).

Medicaid Spend-Down: Which Bills to Send and When Coverage Starts

Meet a Medicaid spend-down with paid or unpaid medical bills, premiums and family bills. Which bills count, how to send them, and the day coverage starts.

Medicaid vs. Medicare: Who Qualifies and Can You Have Both?

Medicare goes by age or disability, Medicaid by income. You can have both: Medicaid then pays Medicare premiums and copays. Who qualifies and where to apply.

Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help: 2026 Limits, How to Apply

A Medicare Savings Program pays your Part B premium; Extra Help cuts drug costs. The 2026 limits, 2027 copays and how to apply through your state and SSA.

SSA-44: How to Lower IRMAA When Retirement Cuts Your Income

Retired and still paying IRMAA? File Form SSA-44 for a work stoppage, report your lower income, and SSA resets your premium back to January 1.

ACA Premium Tax Credit for 2027: Who Qualifies and How Much

2027 ACA premium tax credit: income up to 400% of the poverty line ($63,840 single, $132,000 for four), your 2.15%-10.22% share, and Nov. 1 enrollment steps.

Medicare Open Enrollment: What to Check Before December 7

Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7. Check your plan's 2027 changes, price your drugs and doctors on Plan Finder, and switch by joining the new plan.

SSI Hospital Stay: Request Benefits to Maintain Your Home

Report a hospital or nursing home stay, check SSI temporary benefit rules, and submit the home statement and physician certification on time.

Turning 65 and Still Working: Can You Delay Medicare?

Check when employer insurance lets you delay Medicare, who pays claims first, and how to protect Part B enrollment, drug coverage, and HSA contributions.

No Car? Request and Confirm a Medicaid Ride to the Doctor

Helping a family member get to the doctor? Find the Medicaid ride contact, explain access needs, confirm both trips, and handle a late or missing ride.

Can’t Afford a Hospital Bill? How to Apply for Financial Assistance

Can’t afford a hospital bill, even with insurance? Ask about charity care, check which bills qualify, apply, and follow up on the remaining balance.

CHIP for Children: How to Apply for Low-Cost Health Coverage

Check a child’s Medicaid or CHIP eligibility separately, apply through the state, and confirm costs, providers, coverage dates, and renewal steps.

COBRA or Marketplace Insurance After Job Loss?

Compare COBRA and Marketplace costs for the same months and care, protect enrollment deadlines, and confirm coverage after job loss.

Community Health Centers: Getting Care on a Sliding Fee Scale

Find a health center, ask about income-based discounts, prepare for intake, and check which services and outside referrals are covered before your visit.

Losing Medicaid or CHIP? How to Move to Marketplace Coverage

Act on a Medicaid or CHIP loss notice, protect appeal and Marketplace deadlines, compare costs, and confirm your next insurance start date.

Medicaid After Job Loss: How to Check Your Coverage Options

Check Medicaid after job loss using current monthly income, state eligibility rules, application steps, and the date approved coverage begins.

Family PACT California Income Limits 2026 (Free Care)

Check Family PACT’s 2026 income limits, minor and insurance rules, then apply online or with a California provider and confirm active HAP coverage.

Medicare Savings Programs California 2026: QMB/SLMB/QI

Compare California's QMB, SLMB, and QI programs for Medicare costs, then review financial eligibility and how to apply through Medi-Cal.

Medi-Cal Income Limits 2026: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Medi-Cal's 2026 limit is $1,836 a month for one adult and $3,795 for four. See the full table, the 65+ asset limit, immigrant changes and how to apply.