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Health Coverage Unit

About Us

About Us / Health Coverage Unit
San Mateo County Health’s Health Coverage Unit (HCU) helps residents get access to health care. Our enrollment counselors guide you through the process, explain your options and help you apply. This service is free.

We Can Help You Get Covered

Call us at 650-616-2002 or email info-hcu@smcgov.org. One call connects you to the program that best fits your needs. Make an appointment for a free health coverage screening, even if you think you won’t qualify or already have private insurance that’s not from a job.

Who Qualifies

Eligibility for health coverage depends on:

  • Income – Programs have income limits based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
  • Immigration status – Many programs are available regardless of immigration status. Legal status is not required for County-funded coverage.
  • Where you live.
  • Other factors – Age, disability, family size or medical need.

Our team will review your situation and let you know which program you qualify for.

Programs We Can Connect You To

State, Federal Programs and Non-Governmental Programs

  • Medi-Cal – Free or low-cost health coverage for children and adults with limited income.
  • Covered California – State’s insurance marketplace with tax credits and cost-sharing help.
  • Medicare – Health coverage for adults 65+ and some people with disabilities.
  • Kaiser Community Health Coverage Program (CHCP) – Free health coverage for children and adults with limited income who don’t have access to other health coverage.
  • Special Programs – Family Planning, Access and Treatment (PACT), Every Woman Counts (EWC) and Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP).

County Programs

  • Access to Care for Everyone (ACE) – Health benefits for uninsured, low-income residents ages 21–64.
  • Charity Care – Free hospital and clinic care for those who cannot pay their bill.
  • Discounted Health Care (DHC) – 65% discount for uninsured or those with high medical costs.
  • Financial Hardship Assistance (FHA) – Waives bills if you are facing financial hardship.
  • Sliding Fee Scale – Reduced costs for farmworkers and people experiencing homelessness.

How to Apply

We make it easy to apply:

  1. Call us at 650-616-2002 to start your application.
  2. You can also apply online, in person, by phone or with partner agencies.
  3. To better serve you, appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome at all locations.

Services Locations

Health Coverage Unit – Coastside Health Center

Appointment Phone:

Hours:

Monday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Wednesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday: CLOSED

Sunday: CLOSED

We close at 2:30 PM the 2nd Thursday of each month. 

Health Coverage Unit – Daly City Clinic

Appointment Phone:

Hours:

Monday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Wednesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday: CLOSED

Sunday: CLOSED

We close at 2:30 PM the 2nd Thursday of each month.

Health Coverage Unit – Fair Oaks Health Center

Appointment Phone:

Hours:

Monday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Wednesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday: CLOSED

Sunday: CLOSED

We close at 2:30 PM the 2nd Thursday of each month. 

Health Coverage Unit – San Mateo Medical Center Main Campus | 1st floor, SMMC Information Desk, 2nd floor, Nursing Wing, outside 2AB

Appointment Phone:

Hours:

Monday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Wednesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday: CLOSED

Sunday: CLOSED

We close at 2:30 PM the 2nd Thursday of each month. 

What to Bring:

  • Proof of income for all working members of the household (if any)
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of address
  • Social Security or Tax ID number (if you have one)
  • Immigration or work documents (if you have them)

Call Us Today

Call 650-616-2002 or email info-hcu@smcgov.org. Our team will connect you with the right program and make sure you and your family are covered.