Covered California is a free service from the state of California that connects Californians with brand-name heath insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It's the only place where you can get financial help when you buy insurance from well-known companies.  This is the main solution for people who are self-employed or do not have health insurance through their job. Apply during open enrollment in the beginning of the year or anytime after a life event causes you to lose your coverage (ex: job loss, moving, having a child, change in household size, turning 26, etc.). If you have not had health coverage in the past year, you can apply anytime, even outside of open enrollment dates. 

Healthy San Francisco is a program designed to make health care services available and affordable to uninsured San Francisco residents. It is open to all San Francisco residents regardless of immigration status, employment status or pre-existing conditions. It is operated by the San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH).

For more information you can call Healthy San Francisco Customer Service or visit their website:

Participants & Visitors: (415) 615-4555

TDD/TTY for People who are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or have Speech Disabilities:(415) 547-7830

Customer Service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm.

HPSM is a local community-based health plan with a vision that Healthy is for Everyone – and we fight to make that possible. By partnering with providers and community organizations, we are able to advocate for our members’ health and meet the highest quality of care standards. We serve the most in need. Our programs serve one in five San Mateo County residents, representing diverse, low-income individuals and families, seniors, people with disabilities, and children with complex medical conditions. If you have income but no health insurance, try Covered California first.