Take time to review your health insurance policy as well as other insurance policies you have to better understand your coverage.
Understand what you are eligible for under the law.
Most programs take time to process your enrollment forms. Don't delay in seeking information or making applications.
If you need help with hospital expenses, ask to speak to a financial counselor in the business office of the hospital. They can help you develop a monthly payment plan.
If you expect to run out of money, or have already, and cannot meet your daily living expenses like rent and food, talk directly to your creditors. Many utility and mortgage companies will work out a payment plan with you before a crisis develops.
Finding Financial Assistance
To learn about disability, Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, call:
Social Security Administration in Salinas
800-772-1213 831-443-9195
Medicare Hotline
800-633-4227
Alliance on Aging / HICAP (Health Information Counseling & Advocacy Program)
831-655-1334
Advocacy & counseling witn Medicare claims, challenges or denial of services.
For information about programs such as MediCal, In-Home Supportive Services, Food Stamps, Area Agency on Aging, call:
Monterey Peninsula Monterey County Dept. of Social Services 1281 Broadway, Seaside
831-899-8001
Some cancer organizations or pharmaceutical companies provide financial assistance for medication and other practical needs. For more information call:
Monterey Health Resource Library (Community Hospital)
Transportation to/from treatment centers (free or reduced cost) can be obtained from non-profit organizations, both local and national. For local transportation call:
Community Health & Hospice Resource Center
831-753-6045
831-649-7755
or American Cancer Society
831-442-2992
For a list of national organizations that provide out-of-area transport:
Community Health & Hospice Resource Center
831-753-6045
831-649-7755
Hospitals
If you are being treated at a hospital, you may want to contact:
the social worker
the financial counselor
They may be able to help with a limited assessment of your situation and determine if you are eligible for financial assistance, both within the hospital and from other agencies.
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula Social Services Dept.
Financial Counselor
831-622-2722 831-625-4628
Natividad Medical Center Social Worker
831-755-4111
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Social Services www.svmh.com
831-775-4333
Finding Legal Assistance
Legal Services for Seniors 915 Hilby Ave., Suite 2, Seaside
21 West Laurel Drive, Salinas
South Monterey County
831-899-0492
831-442-7700
1-800-499-1247
For Monterey County residents, socially or economically needy, 60 years or older. Provides free legal consultation regarding: Social Security, SSI, Medicare, Medi-Cal, private pension problems. Low cost wills are referred to private attorneys. Provides Medical Directive forms.
Monterey County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
831-663-6955
30 minute appointment for $30 with a lawyer; the lawyers are pre-screened, insured, state bar certified; specialties include estate, family, business law, etc.
Monterey Bay Estate Planning Group, Attorney Referral
