How to Get Free or Reduced Cost Children's Healthcare Services in California

Children's Healthcare

How to Get Free Children’s Healthcare in California

Pediatricians at our health centers are committed to you and your families well-being. Get in touch or visit us today for better health.

Do not worry about your child’s healthcare needs, California offers several programs that can help your child get the Pediatric care they need for Free or at a Reduced Cost. This page summarizes the available programs you may qualify for. For help in applying, please request an appointment or call us.

Medi-Cal for Children under 19 Years Old

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, offering free or low-cost health insurance to low-income individuals and families. Children that qualify under Medi-Cal are entitled to a wide range of services, depending on your eligibility, you may receive the following for Free or at reduced cost:

Regular check-ups and immunizations
Doctor visits for sickness, injuries, or other concerns
Dental care, including teeth cleanings and fillings
Mental health evaluation and treatment
Vision and hearing services
Hospital and emergency services
Prescription medications

What if my Child does not qualify for Medi-Cal?

If your child does not qualify for Medi-cal, CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) can help. CHIP provides low-cost health insurance for children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medi-Cal but still need assistance. CHIP covers similar services to Medi-Cal, ensuring comprehensive care for children.

What if my Child has physical limitations or chronic health conditions?

California Children’s Services (CCS) is a state program for children with certain physical limitations and chronic health conditions or diseases. CCS covers services like:

Hospital and physician care
Laboratory and X-ray services
Physical and occupational therapy
Medical equipment
Orthodontic care if medically necessary
Certain dental services

CCS works alongside Medi-Cal when a child is eligible for both, providing specialized care that Medi-Cal alone may not cover.

What if my Child needs Dental Services?

Medi-Cal Dental offers comprehensive dental care for children under Medi-Cal, covering services such as:

Diagnostic and preventive dental hygiene (examinations, x-rays, cleanings)
Emergency services for pain control
Tooth extractions, fillings, and root canal treatments
Crowns, dentures, and orthodontics for qualifying children

Families can find a Medi-Cal dental provider and learn more about covered services through the Smile California program.

What if my Child needs Behavioral Health Services?

Children enrolled in Medi-Cal have access to mental health services, which include:

Behavioral health assessment and treatment
Individual, group, and family psychotherapy
Services are provided through county mental health plans and include specialty mental health services for more severe conditions.

Accessing Services Not Fully Covered by Insurance

For services not fully covered by the above programs or for families not eligible, several options can help reduce costs:

Community Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide services on a sliding fee scale based on income, offering reduced-cost care for uninsured or underinsured families.
Non-profit organizations and local health foundations often have programs to assist with specific health care needs, such as prescription medications, specialty care, or emergency medical services.
Hospital charity care programs may offer reduced-cost or free services to eligible families facing financial hardship.

California provides a comprehensive array of programs to ensure children have access to necessary health services.

Families are encouraged to explore these options to ensure their children’s healthcare needs.

For specific services not covered or for additional assistance, local community health centers, non-profit organizations, and hospital charity programs can offer support, ensuring that all children in California have the opportunity to grow up healthy and thrive.

Center for Family Health and Education, and Priority Care Medical Group are both non-profit community health centers that can help your child get the Pediatric services they need, using the programs discussed in this article. If you need assistance in enrolling your child in one of these programs, please request an appointment or call us.

References

Duerksen, A., Dubey, V., & Iglar, K. (2012). Annual adult health checkup. Canadian Family Physician, 58(1), 43–47.
Birtwhistle, R., Bell, N. R., Thombs, B. D., Grad, R., & Dickinson, J. A. (2017). Periodic preventive health visits: A more appropriate approach to delivering preventive services. Canadian Family Physician, 63(11), 824–826.
Heidelbaugh, J. J. (2018). The adult well-male examination. American Family Physician, 98(12), 729–737.

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