Here's your resource for health information, tips, and ideas—all in 1 place.
The Eating Well and Getting Fit sections feature easy-to-use tools for planning meals and staying active. Find a range of resources for taking care of health conditions as well as practical support for caregiving. 

A healthier life—and a closer partnership with your health care professional—can begin here.

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medi-Cal is supported by federal and state taxes. You can apply for Medi-Cal benefits regardless of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status. If you are found (or determined) eligible, you can get Medi-Cal as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

Medi-Cal is the State of California's Medicaid program, which provides free medical coverage to low-income state residents. Application packets are available at any Family Resource Center. Persons can apply by mail also; they should call ACCESS, toll-free at  866-262-9881.


The ACCESS Customer Service Center is an extension of the County of San Diego Family Resource Centers (FRCs). ACCESS serves residents, providers, and other government agencies with questions or needs related to Family Resource Center programs and services, including providing case management services for existing FRC customers. 

ACCESS customer service representatives are experienced eligibility workers that provide assistance via phone, e-mail, and fax. ACCESS hours of operation are Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm, excluding County holidays. Requests submitted via fax or e-mail will be responded to within 3 business days. If you need immediate assistance and cannot wait three business days, please call ACCESS.
Toll-Free:    1-(866) 262-9881      
TDD (hearing impaired):  (858) 514-6889      
Fax: (858) 467-9088
E-mail:pubassist.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov  

Effective June 1, 2011 a change in State regulations requires Seniors (persons age 65 or older) and Persons with Disabilities on Medi-Cal to enroll in a Medi-Cal managed health plan. 

Persons who have both Medicare and Medi-Cal (dual eligible) can still choose (voluntary) to enroll.  Enrollment will be based on birth month and notification letters will be mailed out 90 days prior to birth month to remind persons of this requirement to enroll. For questions please contact the Healthy San Diego Information line at   619-515-6584      .

Important Notice Regarding Health Insurance
The new federal health care reform law and Assembly Bill 2244 require health insurers to sell health insurance to children with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma and diabetes. The initial open enrollment period for parents to sign their children up for health insurance began on January 1 and will close on March 1, 2011, so it is critical that parents take full advantage of this open enrollment period by signing their children up for coverage now.

No More Denials for "Pre-Existing Conditions"
Due to the new federal health care law, all children must be offered health coverage if they apply. Insurance companies can no longer deny kids coverage because of a "pre-existing condition" like asthma or diabetes.

Apply By March 1st to Avoid Much Higher Costs 
If you wait and apply after the "initial open enrollment period" ends on March 1st, you could face much higher premium costs since insurers may charge more than double the standard rate depending on your child’s health status. After March 1st, the next "open enrollment period" is the month your child was born. For example, if your child's birthday is August 8th, you can apply during the entire month of August, without facing significantly higher premiums. (There are other open enrollment periods based on changes in family circumstances such as a birth, divorce, job loss, or loss of public coverage.)
Keep Your Children Insured to Avoid Higher Costs  

You may face a significant premium increase (20 percent) if you let your child's coverage end and then apply again, so keep your children insured.
You Have Protections if Your Child is Denied Coverage
Remember, the new health care law means that no child should be denied insurance for health reasons. If your child is denied coverage for any reason, call the state health insurance hotline at 1-800-927-HELP.

Parents can also obtain information for their children during and after the open enrollment period by going to the California Department of Insurance (CDI) web site at www.insurance.ca.gov or by contacting CDI’s consumer hotline at 1-800-927-HELP . Additionally, parents can go to http://finder.healthcare.gov/, a web site created to assist consumers in navigating their options under the Affordable Care Act.