Commitment to Access to Care

L.A. Care is committed to providing access to quality health care for all members, regardless of immigration status. Below are responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on health care concerns. These will be updated on a regular basis.

L.A. buildings

Commitment to Members

Our goal is to support you, your health, and your family. We will take actions that align with our mission and role as a health plan. This includes advocating for continued access to health coverage and benefits for all eligible children and adults. 

View our Board resolution to protect health care coverage for Angelenos.

Access Health Care in Person or Remotely

It is important to see your doctor in person for necessary in-person health screenings, preventive care and vaccinations. There are also many remote options available for your other care needs. Remote options are listed below:

  • Virtual Visits: Many of L.A. Care’s Primary Care Providers (PCP) offer virtual visits. Check with your PCP and ask if virtual care is an option for you.
     
  • Teladoc: If your PCP does not offer virtual care or is not available at the time you need care, L.A. Care members have access to doctors by phone or video 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our network provider, Teladoc. Teladoc doctors can diagnose and treat minor illnesses, allergies, and skin conditions. They can also prescribe medication if necessary. To ask for a consult as soon as possible, or schedule an appointment, call Teladoc at 1.469.643.2161.
     
  • Nurse Advice Line: You can also call the L.A. Care Nurse Advice at 1.800.249.3619 and speak with a professional nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you decide what care you need.  
     
  • Mental Health Services: Members experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns can also access virtual behavioral health care through Carelon Behavioral Health by calling 1.877.344.2858. 
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Additional FAQS

Have there been any changes to eligibility or access?

At this time, there have been no changes in eligibility criteria or benefits for Medi-Cal members, regardless of immigration status.

What are my rights to health care and health insurance?

Some people may be worried about seeking health care or health care coverage. The National Immigration Law Center has provided helpful guidance.

a. Can I be denied medical treatment based on my immigration status? 
You have a right to health care regardless of your immigration status. You are not required to have U.S. citizenship, lawful immigration status, or a Social Security number (SSN) to receive health care services under federal law. You cannot be denied medical treatment based solely on your immigration status.

b. Can I be refused health care because I do not have identification?
No. You should not be refused health care because you do not have identification. Hospitals and health care providers may ask for photo identification, but not for purposes of immigration enforcement. Health care providers ask for identification to make sure that the person getting care is the same person whose name is on the medical record or prescription. You should not be refused health care because you do not have a photo ID.

c. Do I have to provide my immigration status if I am applying for insurance for someone else, such as my child? 
No. By law, applications for Medi-Cal and Covered California plans can require your citizenship status information only if you are applying for coverage for yourself. The applications may not ask for your citizenship or immigration status information if you are applying to enroll another person, like your child, and are not applying for yourself. If you are asked about your immigration status but you are applying for coverage for someone else, you can say, “I am not applying for health insurance for myself.”

d. Do I have to provide a Social Security Number to apply for Medi-Cal if I do not have one? 
No. If you do not have a social security number, you are not required to provide one to apply for Medi-Cal.

e. Do I have to provide a Social Security Number to apply for coverage under a Covered California plan? 
Yes. Applications for Covered California plans do require a social security number.

f. Can I receive services in my preferred language when applying for health insurance and receiving health care? 
Yes. You have a right to receive services in your language when you apply for health insurance and obtain health care.
 

Where can I access additional resources unrelated to health care?