Medi-Cal & Healthy Families

Here in California, the form of Medicaid available to low-income families is either Medi-Cal or Healthy Families.

Medi-Cal is available to pregnant women with no other children who make less than $1,700 a month, and entire families according to income. The guidelines are a little complicated, but for my family of three, I could make up to $1,900 a month and have no-cost care for us.

To apply, you have to call or visit your county's Social Services office (look in the government pages of your phone book). Of course, this affects your ability to collect your child support, because the government will want to offset its cost.

Healthy Families has a very small share of cost, and is only for children with no other insurance. My family of three can make up to $3,500 a month. You actually purchase real plans, such as Blue Cross or Kaiser, through the government.

"You pay a monthly premium between $4 and $15 for each child, up to a maximum of $45 for all children in a family enrolled in the Healthy Families Program," according to their website. Some services require a $5 co-pay.

"Call 1-800-880-5305 if you do not already have a child enrolled in Healthy Families. You can ask questions, have the application form sent to you or apply by phone. You can call Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or on Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The call is free."

It's pretty easy to apply for services, but it's extremely important that you keep on top of the necessary paperwork. If you apply for Healthy Families, and they determine you make too little, they will direct you where to go for Medi-Cal.

You do have to reapply every year, so make sure you inform them if you move. Otherwise they will cancel you.