Many people in the United States do not have health insurance and avoid getting healthcare because of the costs. However, often people are unaware of the options that are available, both in terms of low cost or no cost health insurance and low to no cost healthcare. If you live in the Inland Empire, you should be aware of resources that you can utilize to get the healthcare that you need.
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is the state of California’s version of Medicaid and is overseen by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). It is for low-income residents of California and their families and makes no-to low-cost health care coverage accessible to many people who cannot afford private health insurance.
Do You Qualify for Medi-Cal?
You must be a resident of California to qualify for Medi-Cal. Other eligibility requirements include income limits, asset limits in some cases, and immigration status requirements.
In 2026, Medi-Cal income limits are as follows:
- For one person, the limit is 138% of the FPL, which is $21,597 annually. For each additional family member, $7,500 is added to the limit. That means that for a family of two the limit is $29,187, and for a family of four, it is $44,367.
- For children 19 and under, the family income limit is 266% of FPL for a family of one, which is $41,629 per year. For a family of four, the limit is $85,519 per year.
- For pregnant women, income limits may be higher (213% FPL) for pregnancy-related coverage.
As of January 1. 2026, the Medi-Cal asset limits are $130,000 for persons enrolled in specific programs that require an asset test, with an additional $65,000 added for each individual in the household. Most modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)-based Medi-Cal programs, which include coverage for adults ages 19–64, children, and pregnant women, are not subject to asset limits. Eligibility for these groups is based strictly on income and household size.
Immigration status rules for Medi-Cal eligibility have changed in 2026. Beginning January 1, 2026, California implemented an enrollment freeze for certain immigrants:
- Adults age 19+ without “satisfactory immigration status” (such as undocumented adults or some recent legal residents) can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal.
- If they apply after that date, they can generally only get restricted-scope coverage, which includes:
- Emergency services
- Pregnancy-related care
- Some nursing home care
How to Apply for Medi-Cal
You can apply for Medi-Cal in several ways.
- Online
- Go to CoveredCA.com
- Create an account and apply
- The system automatically checks Medi-Cal eligibility first
- If you qualify, your application is sent directly to your county
- Apply Through Your County (Online, Phone, or In-Person)
Every county handles final approval.
- Find your local office: BenefitsCal.com
- Apply online, upload documents, and track your case
- Or call / visit your county social services office
- Apply by Phone
- Call 1-800-300-1506
- Available in multiple languages
- They’ll walk you through the whole application
- Apply by Mail
You can download and mail the Single Streamlined Application:
- English and other languages available
- Mail it to your county Medi-Cal office
When you apply, you’ll need the following documents.
- Driver’s license or I.D.
- Proof of citizenship including social security number and immigration documents.
- Income verification in the form of paystubs, W-2s, or tax returns.
- Asset verification such as bank statements and property records.
Are There Any Other Low Cost Health Insurance Options?
If you’re not eligible for Medi-Cal, you can go to Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace, where you may qualify for premium subsidies based on your income.
Federally Qualified Health Centers
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), such as Health Service Alliance in the Inland Empire, are community-based healthcare providers that receive federal funding to provide affordable healthcare services to underserved and low-income populations, regardless of ability to pay. These health centers are supported and regulated by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
FQHCs provide a host of services, including primary care, preventive care, chronic disease management, mental health services, substance use treatment, and sometimes dental and vision care. Many centers also offer assistance enrolling in insurance programs like Medicaid or Medicare.
FQHCs have a sliding fee scale, meaning that the cost of care is adjusted based on a patient’s income and family size. This allows people without insurance and a low income to receive care at reduced costs.
In Closing
A lack of health insurance does not have to stop you from getting the healthcare that you need in the Inland Empire. If you or someone you know needs care and is worried about cost, call our Euclid Community Health Center at 840-237-3344. The center is located at 600 N Euclid Ave. Ste. 202 Upland, CA 91786. At Health Service Alliance, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized, and accessible care regardless of your ability to pay.
