Health Rights Hotline

Information may not be reliable

Dental van begins serving low-income children in El Dorado County

Starting in South Lake Tahoe, a mobile dental clinic began serving kids in El Dorado County this week.

Insurance program to disenroll children because of funding cut

The Healthy Kids Healthy Future program, which insures children to age 18 in Sacramento, Colusa, El Dorado, Placer and Yuba counties, is losing funding from the California Endowment and Blue Shield Foundation.

Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Major Milestone in Health Care Reform Implementation

State Opens Health Insurance Plan to Provide Coverage to Uninsured Californians. Californians interested in coverage under the PCIP are encouraged to visit www.pcip.ca.gov or call 1-877-428-5060 for more information.

National Center for Lesbian Rights FAQ Hospital Visitation

The National Center for Lesbian Rights has written an FAQ on hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples.

Premiums for Medicare Part D Rx Plans To Rise by 10%

Premiums for the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit will increase by 10% on average if beneficiaries remain with their current plans.
Read more in the California Healthline article.

The California Endowment is committed to raising public awareness about the landmark Affordable Care Act as part of their ongoing mission to promote a healthier California. Read about the campaign on the website.

Six-Month Anniversary of Health Reform Law Ushers in Changes

A number of provisions included in the federal health reform law take effect on Thursday, six months after the law was enacted. California Healthline article.

Census Data Show Big Uptick of Uninsured in California

According to the Census Bureau data, 20% of California residents lacked health insurance coverage in 2009, up from 18.6% in 2008. Nearly 11% of California children lacked health insurance last year. Read more in the California Healthline article.

California Seniors Face High Costs For Healthcare

The cost of living for California’s elderly population is significantly higher than the amount set by the federal poverty level.

Just four months after approval, California’s high-risk insurance program is accepting applications and payment checks, starting this week. It expects to enroll patients by the end of the month.

Independent assistance for health care consumers
The Health Rights Hotline provides free assistance and information about your rights in health care. We serve residents of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties in California.
The Health Rights Hotline helps people take charge of their health care. Part of taking charge involves understanding your health care rights. This site provides some general information about your rights as a health care consumer. Although the information presented is based on California law, it may still be useful even if you live in another area.

I have a hospital bill and cannot afford to pay it. What can I do?
My medical bill seems really expensive for the service that I received. Can I request a more detailed bill explaining the charges?
What is the difference between Medicare and Medi-Cal? How do I know which one that I have?
How does prescription drug coverage work when I have Medi-Cal and Medicare?
I heard that Medi-Cal does not cover dental services anymore. Where can I get dental care?
I have Medi-Cal with a share-of-cost. How do I meet or reduce my share-of-cost?
I am not satisfied with my doctor. Can I change to a new one?
Can I get copies of my medical records?
I disagree with a medical note or comment that my doctor put in my medical file. How do I contest it?
Do I have a right to an interpreter if my doctor does not speak my language?