Telephone Service Helps Uninsured California Residents Find Coverage
The San Mateo-based Foundation for Health Coverage Education in April launched a toll-free telephone service to help uninsured California residents obtain health coverage, the San Jose Mercury News reports. Service staff offer callers information on many types of public and private plans, including programs specifically for children and people with medical conditions.
The service is available to undocumented immigrants, who sometimes "avoid seeking help because they fear being deported," the Mercury News reports. The call center offers translators in more than 150 languages.
The foundation protects the privacy of all callers and personal information is never released, Joanne Papini, communications director for the foundation, said.
Callers are asked about their health history, income and health insurance coverage history. Follow-up service is offered to help ensure that callers find coverage (Navas, San Jose Mercury News, 6/18).