If you injure your knee, the MSI program may cover your treatment.
Health insurance is expensive, but the cost of medical care without insurance is even higher. For individuals in California who can't afford health insurance premiums, the government may provide coverage through the Medical Services Initiative program. To qualify for insurance coverage under the MSI program, California citizens must satisfy certain requirements.
About MSI
The MSI program provides preventative care and medical treatment to qualifying citizens in California. If accepted into the program, MSI will assign you to a doctor's office that will coordinate your care and refer you to any necessary specialists. The MSI program works with most of California's hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, surgery centers, diagnostic centers and urgent care facilities. The MSI program covers physicals, mammograms, immunizations, laboratory and diagnostic services, as well as standard and emergency treatments.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the MSI program, you must be a resident of the county where you are applying. You must also be between 21 and 64 years of age, have an urgent medical need and meet the federal poverty guidelines. Recipients of coverage from the MSI program must not be eligible for health insurance from any other source. If you have had coverage from another insurance company in the last three months, you may not be eligible for the MSI program unless you lost your job, lost coverage from your employer or lost COBRA coverage.
Applying for Benefits
To apply for the MSI program, you must provide proof of citizenship or alien status, identification, proof of income, proof of age and proof of residence. You will also have to sign a credit authorization form. If the MSI program approves your application, you will receive benefits for 12 consecutive months. If you are still eligible at the end of this period, you may be able to renew your coverage.
Considerations
If you receive medical services that the MSI program doesn't cover, you must pay for them. The MSI program covers visits to the emergency room, but you may be required to pay a $25 copay. If the MSI program discovers that you have lied to obtain coverage or that you no longer meet the requirements, they will discontinue your membership in the program. If federal funding becomes unavailable, eligible individuals may lose their coverage.
Tags: coverage from, program must, eligible program, program covers
