Four ways people pay: Medi-Cal, private insurance, self-pay, and county or non-profit assistance. Most programs use more than one.
Medi-Cal
Free at county-contracted programs when treatment is found medically necessary. Start with the county access line or a program that reports accepting Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal treatment explained.
Private insurance
Coverage depends on your plan and whether the program is in network. Out-of-network stays can cost the full cash rate. Ask the program to verify benefits and to tell you the result in writing.
Self-pay
Get the full price in writing for the specific level of care. Ask what is excluded. Compare two or three quotes for the same thing. Self-pay programs.
Assistance
Sliding scale fees, scholarships and county slots exist, mostly at non-profit programs. They are rarely advertised; ask. Sliding scale and payment assistance.
Be careful with
Anyone who offers to pay your deductible, give you a free flight, or sign you up for an insurance plan to get you admitted. In California, paying or receiving anything of value for a patient referral is illegal, and a program that does it is not one to trust with your care.