California county to offer affordable healthcare to thousands of undocumented residents

Residents can contact a financial counselor at 1-800-771-4270 to learn more about eligibility and enrollmentPhoto byHarlie RaethelonUnsplash

Contra Costa Health is now providing affordable healthcare coverage for uninsured county residents who don't qualify for Medi-Cal or Covered California, including undocumented individuals. The Basic Health Care program offers essential services like primary care, medications, and X-rays to those who fall through the cracks of traditional insurance systems.

Residents can contact a financial counselor at 1-800-771-4270 to learn more about eligibility and enrollment. The program is available to those earning below 300% of the federal poverty level, with sliding-scale premiums of up to $20 per month.

“We’re still seeing some people in our community fall through the cracks, unable to get health insurance,” said Gilbert Salinas, Contra Costa Health’s chief equity officer.

The program, approved by the Board of Supervisors, is expected to benefit over 10,000 undocumented residents in the county. Importantly, participation will not be counted toward public charge tests for immigrants.