Are you looking for a way to support our undocumented neighbors? Please consider distributing information (see links below) about our county’s Basic Healthcare Plan, which is open to undocumented residents until 1/1/26. Read further for complete details.
Background: A brief window of Availability
Last year, the Contra Costa Basic Healthcare Plan coverage was finally extended to undocumented residents. The intention was for that change to be permanent. MFAC joined many of its partners in advocating for this coverage, and now it’s here.
The hard part: Due to changes in federal policy and state and county funding realities, undocumented residents can only sign up until 12/31. On 1/1/26, the window closes. Anyone on the program as of 12/31 will be carried forward; only new sign-ups will close.
For months, the county has been working on the process by which the local health care plan would be available to those who don’t qualify for Medi-Cal, regardless of documentation status. The system is now open for sign-ups. Recently, MFAC and others received flyers in English and Spanish, ready for distribution. These provide links and phone numbers that residents can use to inquire and even apply for the coverage.
You can download those materials here:
More critical information
At MFAC, we usually do advocacy; this isn’t about advocacy, but rather a service: helping people connect with Contra Costa Health to get signed up for healthcare.
Faith communities are trusted channels for information like this. Please understand that you do not have to be an expert in county healthcare plans and coverage; the phone numbers and website links on the flyers will connect people who can answer all questions.
The simple goal is to inform people that coverage is available, but only until the end of the year. And to guide people to call the numbers with their questions.
Another important note: we know that many of the undocumented are afraid to register with official agencies for services like these due to a very valid fear that their information may be shared with the administration. That is true of Medi-Cal (a Medicaid program), but it is NOT true of the county basic health care plan; this program is available to people who don’t qualify for Medi-Cal.
There is an education process that is needed, of course. Here are two public statements on the County Health plan’s website on privacy and immigration enforcement:
- About Immigration Enforcement and Patient Privacy,
- Contra Costa Health Statement on Patient Privacy and Immigration Enforcement.
One of the reasons the rollout of this program was delayed was that it needed work to be more “immigrant-friendly.” Contra Costa Health is taking that seriously.
Please consider printing and posting the flyers in your public spaces. If you’d like a supply of pre-printed materials, please contact Greg Colley at greg@multifaithactioncoalition.org or (925) 948-1300 after August 21.
More information about coverage can be found here.
Eligibility Requirements Summary
The Contra Costa County Basic Health Care (BHC) program has specific eligibility requirements designed to help uninsured residents, particularly undocumented adults, who previously fell through coverage gaps.
Here are the basic eligibility requirements:
• Immigration Status: A key aspect of the Basic Health Care program is that it eliminates the restriction based on documentation status, making health care a right for all residents, regardless of their immigration status. This reverses a policy from 2009 that had added legal status as a requirement for the county’s public healthcare program.
• Income Level: To qualify for the BHC, residents must have incomes below 300% of the federal poverty level. This income range specifically targets individuals who earn too much to qualify for Medi-Cal, which caps income eligibility at 138% of the federal poverty level, and who are also not eligible for Covered California due to their undocumented status.
• Insurance Status: Eligible individuals must be uninsured and not eligible for Medi-Cal or Covered California. The program aims to fill this gap in coverage.
Additionally, the program has been updated to eliminate enrollment fees and asset screenings, and it will not include a co-pay. People enrolled in Basic Health Care will pay a sliding-scale quarterly premium depending on their income, up to $20 a month. Importantly, enrollment in this program will not be considered as part of a public charge test for immigrants.
The BHC plan offers coverage for primary and specialty care, dental, vision, and behavioral health services, as well as medications and X-rays, accessible at nine county-run clinics and the county hospital.
