Contra Costa Health (CCH) is taking a significant step to ensure all residents have access to essential medical care by introducing the “Contra Costa Cares Program”. This initiative provides affordable health care coverage for uninsured individuals in the county who do not qualify for existing programs like Medi-Cal or Covered California.
Recognizing that gaps in health care coverage still exist, especially for undocumented residents who may earn slightly above the Medi-Cal threshold but are ineligible for Covered California, Contra Costa County has launched this program to bridge that divide. Gilbert Salinas, chief equity officer for Contra Costa Health, emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “We’re still seeing some people in our community fall through the cracks, unable to get health insurance. Contra Costa Cares Program will help fill that gap and give people access to medical care.”
This groundbreaking program, approved by the Board of Supervisors earlier this year, is estimated to benefit over 10,000 undocumented residents in Contra Costa County. The “Contra Costa Cares Program,” also known as Basic Health Care, offers comprehensive coverage including primary care services, necessary medications, X-rays, and more.
To be eligible for the “Contra Costa Cares Program”, residents must have incomes below 300% of the federal poverty level. The program operates on a sliding-scale quarterly premium, making it affordable for low-income individuals. Depending on income levels, the premium can be as low as $20 per month. Importantly, enrollment in the “Contra Costa Cares Program” will not negatively impact immigrants in any public charge test.
Enrollees of the “Contra Costa Cares Program” can receive medical services at the trusted Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and various outpatient health centers throughout the county. By enhancing access to primary medical services through the “Contra Costa Cares Program”, Contra Costa Health aims to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, ensuring residents receive appropriate care in a timely and cost-effective manner.
For residents seeking to enroll or learn more about the “Contra Costa Cares Program”, financial counselors are available to provide assistance. Potentially eligible individuals are encouraged to call 1-800-771-4270 to discuss enrollment and understand how the “Contra Costa Cares Program” can provide them with the health care coverage they need. Additional information can also be found on the Contra Costa Health Basic Health Care webpage.
