By Melanie Slone
If you need health coverage, community health centers help with Covered California and Medi-Cal during the current enrollment periods. They can also connect you to Medicare.
Recent changes to these programs might cause confusion for families. “I think one of the most important things we want our community to know right now is that they’re not alone,” says Leticia Vera, Director of Patient Retention & Engagement TrueCare. “With so many changes happening around health coverage, we understand that this can be a confusing and even scary time for individuals and families. People are worried about whether they’ll still qualify, how much their insurance will cost, or what these changes might mean for their families.”
Covered California
Covered California’s open enrollment begins November 1, 2026, and continues through January 31, 2027. During this time, individuals and families can enroll in health insurance or make changes to their existing coverage.
“If you already have Covered California, it’s important to take some time to review your coverage for the upcoming year. Even if you plan to keep the same health plan, make sure your household income, family size, and contact information are up to date,” says Vera. “With all the changes happening around health coverage, it’s especially important this year not to assume everything will stay the same. Health plans, monthly premiums, and financial assistance can change, and that may affect what you pay or the coverage you have.”
Many people are automatically renewed, but that doesn’t necessarily mean their costs or benefits will remain unchanged, says Lety. “Taking a little time to review your coverage can help you make informed decisions and avoid surprises later.”
Having a few things ready can make the process easier, “basic household information, such as names and dates of birth, estimated household income, Social Security numbers or immigration documents if applicable, and information about any current health insurance,” says Vera. “But we don’t want people to feel discouraged if they don’t have everything available. They can still reach out, ask questions, and find out what they’ll need to get started.”
TrueCare recommends applying early, especially for those who want their coverage to begin January 1, 2027. The deadline for that effective date is December 31, 2026.
“Financial assistance may be available to help make health insurance more affordable. Depending on income and household size, some individuals and families may qualify for help lowering their monthly payments,” says Vera.
“We also recognize that with all the recent changes and conversations around health coverage, some people may be unsure whether they still qualify or if they can afford insurance. We don’t want that uncertainty to stop anyone from asking questions or exploring their options…Every family’s situation is different, and getting accurate information is the best place to start.”
Some may qualify for Medi-Cal, “which offers free or low-cost health coverage to eligible individuals and families,” says Vera.
Individuals can apply all year round, but they need to renew their Medi-Cal in the month they are due for that renewal.
Free Assistance from TrueCare
A team of TrueCare Program & Resource Specialists can help individuals and families apply for Covered California or Medi-Cal, renew their coverage, and better understand their options. You don’t have to be a TrueCare patient to receive help.
“We know that health insurance can be confusing, and it’s even more challenging when information isn’t available in your preferred language,” says Vera. “Our team provides assistance in English and Spanish, and interpretation services are available for other languages.”
TrueCare encourages people not to make assumptions about their eligibility or give up on getting coverage. “Even if you’ve heard about changes to health insurance programs, it’s important to find out what actually applies to your situation. There may still be options available,” she adds.
TrueCare
- Website · https://truecare.org/
- Phone · (760) 736-6734
Vista Community Clinic (VCC)
- Phone (General / Enrollment Line) · T 844-308-5003 or 760-631-5000 (ext. 7190 for general enrollment, ext. 7127 for Covered California)
- Email: enrollment@vcc.clinic
- Website · https://www.vistacommunityclinic.org/patients/
Neighborhood Healthcare
- Website · https://mynhcare.org/cec/appt
- Phone · (833) 867-4642
Covered California website · https://www.coveredca.com/
Help with Medicare ·
If you are turning 65, Medicare Services are provided through JAR Insurance Services, which partners with clinics to provide free enrollment assistance. · Si está por cumplir 65 años, los servicios de Medicare se ofrecen a través de JAR Insurance Services, entidad que colabora con clínicas para brindar asistencia gratuita en el proceso de inscripción.
JAR Insurance (Medicare): https://calljar.com/about
Social Security Administration: Sign up for Medicare · https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
Call 1 800-772-1213
Call TTY · +1 800-325-0778
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) · A 7-month window that includes the 3 months before you turn 65, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. ·
- Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7) · Time to join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) in San Diego
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31) · Allows one change if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
