Myths

Will my information be shared with the federal government regarding immigration status?

It is the policy of HSA not to share any immigration/citizenship status issues with federal immigration agencies. However, citizenship status does have some effect on what type of Medi-Cal an individual can access.

I don’t want Medi-Cal. I want Obamacare.

There is sometimes a negative association with Medi-Cal by some individuals who want to be enrolled in health care coverage. However, it is important to note that approximately 1 in 3 are covered through the Medi-Cal program. Due to increased funding and changing policy beginning in 2014, Medi-Cal eligibility was broadened significantly. **“Emergency Medi-Cal” only covers certain procedures.

**One type of coverage available to individuals is Hospital Presumptive Eligibility (HPE) Program. While often used to treat visitors to the Emergency Room that do not have coverage, HPE participants can access a wide variety of medical services including pharmacies through a fee for service model. This access is limited to a maximum of two months depending on when in the month an individual becomes qualified. For example, if approved for HPE coverage on July 3, and the insurance affordability application eligibility determination was made on August 25, HPE coverage ends on August 25.

I don’t have health insurance, so I can’t go to hospital.

Regardless of your current healthcare coverage you will receive treatment at a hospital.

I’m not a citizen so I’m not eligible for Medi-Cal.

If an individual is classified as PRUCOL (permanent residence under color of law), they can qualify for full Medi-Cal. If a person does not have PRUCOL status she or he can still be eligible for restricted Medi-Cal, which covers emergency room visits and procedures related to pregnancy.

I have some money in the bank. Does that make me ineligible?

Access to Medi-Cal is determined by reported income to the IRS. If you are eligible for MAGI Medi-Cal, your current assets do not impact your eligibility.

I can get a free ID through the CalFresh program.

HSA can provide fee waivers for the DMV in order to encourage individuals to obtain identification.

Do you lose Medi-Cal coverage if you do not claim your Medi-Cal "Welcome Packet?"

A Medi-Cal enrollee will not lose coverage if she/he does not claim the Medi-Cal “welcome packet.” However, the enrollee will be defaulted to a managed care plan.

Can I have Medi-Cal while also having other benefits like accessing VA healthcare?

The Veterans Administration is not a health insurance plan. In addition to a wide array of services, the VA also functions like a health care provider network. VA Eligible individuals with Medi-Cal should be able to access health care though VA medical facilities. Usually, VA eligible individuals with Medi-Cal will not pay for copayments at VA health facilities.

Can you use an affidavit for Identification verification?

You do not use an affidavit for identification verification at HSA. The MC-13 form is used to establish identity in through “citizenship, alienage, and immigration status.”

It’s easy to know if a person is homeless.

There currently is not a shared definition across all San Francisco City Agencies for homelessness. Many individuals who might identify as homeless can move through a spectrum of housing access including shelters, SROs, staying with friends and family, and living on the street. When talking about homelessness, consider alternate definitions that partner agencies might use.

How common is Medi-Cal fraud?

According to Eligibility Workers our team has spoken with, Medi-Cal fraud is not common among the homeless population.

Does Short Doyle enrollment not give access to full Medi-Cal?

Short Doyle is an allotment of money for behavioral health services. Individuals enrolling in Medi-Cal do not have visibility into Short Doyle and have access to the same managed care plans as all Medi-Cal enrollees, while also having access to the county mental health plan.