We've got some news from our Civic Engagement team: Medi-Cal expands eligibility for adults! Beginning January 1st, 2024, adults aged 26-49 will now be eligible for full-coverage Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status. This means over 700,000 new people will now be able to qualify for Medi-Cal! Need more information? Contact Civic Engagement team member Raphael Lagoc (He/They), [email protected] or (619) 272-7582 x129.

Worried about how Medi-Cal affects an immigration application? The “Public Charge Ground” allows immigration officials to disqualify applications for a visa if they feel the person will be too dependent on government aid. The good news is that for most cases, using Medi-Cal and many other forms of government aid does NOT count against you! Public Charge rules only apply to applications for a green card through petition by a family member. Applications for citizenship are not affected by these rules.

When does it matter then? The main exception where Medi-Cal might affect someone‘s application is if they are in long-term nursing home or residential care through Medi-Cal. Even if that is the case, that doesn‘t automatically mean they will be disqualified!

What can you do if the Public Charge rules do apply to you? Immigration officials are required to consider many other factors in the application, including age, health, income, family and more. Positive factors such as education and employment can outweigh the use of long-term care by Medi-Cal!

To learn more and find legal resources visit: KeepYourBenefits.org

En español: ¿Le preocupa cómo Medi-Cal puede afectar una solicitud de inmigración?

Civic Engagement's Guide to Medi-Cal

Civic Engagement collaborating with Blue Shield of California

Our Civic Engagement team is collaborating with Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan to increase awareness of Medi-Cal redetermination in San Diego County! Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program that pays for medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Our team will be informing community members about the Medi-Cal renewal process, how to update their contact information with the county, and more. Currently, those under 25 and over 50 qualify for Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status. Civic Engagement will ensure that community members understand the Medi-Cal redetermination process so they can keep their coverage.

To check on your Medi-Cal status or if you have questions about Medi-Cal redetermination, please visit blueshieldca.com/promise.

GET VACCINATED

Throughout April 2022, the Civic Engagement team worked hard to get community members vaccinated and offered COVID 19 resources. On April 9th, the team had a special event for the residents at the Atmosphere Apartments, a supportive and assisted living facility. Residents received the COVID-19 vaccine along with light refreshments. The team is continuing to push for more events on our high priority outreach zip codes which include 92115, 92105, 92114, 92102, 92113, 92136, and 92139. On April 23rd, the team offered resources during the Spring Love Event.

The Civic Engagement team wrapped up April with two events on April 30th. They tabled and offered COVID-19 resources at the Copley-Price Family YMCA where the YMCA hosted a Healthy Kids Day which featured kids activities, a chance to meet community partners, and the opportunity to learn about the YMCA’s programs and activities. While half of the team were at the YMCA, the other half were at the Employment Resource Center getting community members pre registered for their COVID-19 and flu vaccines. ERC will handed out free food packages, diapers, feminine hygiene products and seeds.

Watch the video of the Civic Engagement team's vaccine tour:

A second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for older people and certain immunocompromised individuals has been authorized, book your COVID 19 vaccine appointment by calling 1-800-778-0036.