Low-Cost Insurance Programs

The following low-cost insurance programs are available to uninsured children and adults who qualify.

Click on each program's name to obtain more information about eligibility and registration. Also, ask insurance carriers in your county if they offer low-cost coverage for young adults.

Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM) program provides low-cost health insurance coverage to uninsured, low-income pregnant women and their infants. A pregnant woman and her infant(s) enrolled in AIM receive their care from one of nine health plans participating in the program. The pregnant woman participates in the cost of her health care services through a low-cost subscriber contribution. For an application, call toll-free 800-433-2611.

Healthy Families Program (HFP) provides low-cost health, dental and vision coverage to uninsured children in low-wage families. Families participating in the program choose their health, dental and vision plan. Families pay premiums of $4-$9 per child per month (maximum of $27 per family) to participate in the program. For an application, call toll-free 888-747-1222.

Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP) provides health insurance for Californians who are unable to obtain coverage in the individual health insurance market. The majority of subscribers are women between the ages of 40-59 who are enrolled in the program because they have been rejected for coverage by an insurance carrier or health plan due to a pre-existing condition. Services in the program are delivered through contracts with six health insurance plans. Californians qualifying for the program participate in the payment for the cost of their coverage by paying premiums. For an application, call toll-free 800-289-6574.

Medi-Cal for Children provides comprehensive health insurance for low-income children in California. Full-scope Medi-Cal covers comprehensive health, dental and vision services. The coverage is free. Call toll-free 888-747-1222 for a mail-in application for children, their parents and pregnant women who qualify for No-Cost Medi-Cal and to find an organization in your neighborhood that can help you apply. A family may also apply at the local welfare office for both children and adults.

Child Health Disability and Prevention Program (CHDP) provides preventive health assessments to eligible infants, children and youth. Serves not only children with obvious health problems, but also children who seem well. All services are free. To apply, call the CHDP program in your local health department.

California Children's Services (CCS) provides treatment and case management services for children under 21 years of age with serious medical problems such as chronic illnesses, genetic diseases, physical handicaps, major injuries due to violence and accidents, congenital defects, and conditions requiring treatment in neonatal intensive care units. Program provides complete coverage or a share of the cost. To apply, call your local county health department for more information.

CaliforniaKids provides low-cost primary health care coverage for uninsured children ages 2 through 18 (including undocumented and emancipated youth). Cost depends on income. To apply, call 818-461-1400 to have a mail-in application sent to you or for a list of providers in your area. You may also apply at places around the community such as child care centers, clinics, schools, group homes, and other child-serving organizations.

Kaiser Permanente Cares for Kids: Child Health Plan-1 provides health care coverage for uninsured children who are not eligible to participate in Medi-Cal, Healthy Families or have any other health insurance. Call toll-free 800-255-5053 to receive a mail-in application.

Vision Service Plan (VSP) - Sight for Students Program provides free eye exams and glasses for uninsured children across the country. May also include vision therapy, surgery and contacts if medically necessary as determined by a VSP contracted eye doctor. Services are free. To apply, call toll-free 888-290-4964.