Social protection

National Council on Aging (NCOA) Benefits Checkup https://benefitscheckup.org/

Bay Area Legal Aid Public Benefits (CalWORKS, CalFresh, CA Food Assistance Program, General Assistance) Legal Advice Line 800-551-5554 https://baylegal.org/public-benefits/

BenefitsCal portal where Californians can get and manage benefits online. This includes food assistance (CalFresh), cash aid (CalWORKs, General Assistance, Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants), and affordable health insurance (Medi-Cal). https://benefitscal.com/

DAS MC/CF Eligibility: 844-551-4320 or 2 Gough St Service Center

SFBN 855-355-5757 or 1235 Mission St or 1440 Harrison St or 3120 Mission St Service Centers

State Hearing Requests https://www.cdss.ca.gov/hearing-requests

Immigrants | sfhsa.org

Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) Eligibility: CA resident; disabled, blind, or age 65+; apply for SSI/SSP to show that meet all SSI/SSP requirements, except for immigration status; Meet income limits (we will help you calculate this amount); resources < allowable $2K limit for single/$3K married couple. https://www.sfhsa.org/services/financial-assistance/cash-assistance-program-immigrants-capi

Income

https://www.aarp.org/retirement/social-security/info-2024/social-security-changes-2025.html

8 Social Security Services You May Not Know About

AARP Social Security Resource Center https://www.aarp.org/retirement/social-security/

Social Security Administration https://www.ssa.gov/ 1-800-772-1213

90 – 7th St./Mission St., 94103 (Downtown) 866-964-5051
560 Kearny St./Sacramento, 94108 (Chinatown) 877-319-3070
3140 - 16th St./Albion, 94103 (replaced 1098 Valencia St./22nd St., 94110) 866-755-6323

Social Security Retirement (Old Age, 1935; Survivors, 1939) https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI, 1965) https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/ disabled if unable to perform any substantial work due to a physical and/or mental condition, which has lasted or can be expected to last for at least 12 months or can be expected to result in death; eligibility is based on previous contributions to Social Security.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI, 1972) https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/ federally funded program that provides income support/cash assistance to eligible individuals age 65+, blind, or disabled, who have limited income & resources ($2K for individual). Call 1-800-772-1213 to make appointment. Apply online https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/

State Supplemental Payment (SSP) https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/ssi-ssp state program which augments SSI. Both SSI/SSP benefits are administered by SSA.

**when apply and qualify for SSI at local SSA office, automatically enrolled in Medi-Cal and will be sent Benefits Identification Card (BIC)

2025 CA SSI+SSP https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11125.pdf

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/eligibility/letters/Documents/24-16.pdf

Eff. 9/30/2024: Regulatory Changes to In-Kind Support Rules Expand Access to SSI - Justice in Aging

Title II Auxiliary Benefits: Social Security Benefits You’ve Never Heard of, and Who is Eligible for Them (acl.gov)

Social Security Eliminates Overpayment Burden for Social Security Beneficiaries - Automatic Overpayment Recovery Rate Reduced to 10 Percent | SSA

11/18/2024 Social Security Tackles Overpayment ‘Injustices,’ but Problems Remain - California Healthline

11/19/2024 Have you just been sent a dreaded Social Security overpayment notice? Don’t panic — this expert explains how you can settle your balance ASAP

Social Security 2025 Payments Schedule: Calendar of All Key Dates

Social Security strategy calculator https://opensocialsecurity.com/

Social Security Administration (SSA): lead role in determining eligibility for Medicare Parts A & B, enrolling beneficiaries in Medicare program; collects premiums for Part B (& Part A when applicable); coordinates with state Medicaid agencies when states pay premiums for low income individuals; determines eligibility for Part D Low Income Subsidy

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) responsible for: enrollment in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP). MA plans & PDPs collect plan premiums, determine & collect Part D late enrollment penalties

Intersection_of_Medicare_and_Social_Security_Ch_Summary_5a6120ca2d.pdf (acl.gov)

Who do I contact - Social Security or Medicare? (ssa.gov)

Financial Assistance | sfhsa.org

County Adult Assistance Programs (CAAP) Eligibility: SF resident; Net income < $714/ month; Personal property limit of $2K single adult/$3K couple; Vehicle ownership limited to one vehicle; Student status limited to associate degree program (2-year college)/vocational school; CalFresh & Medi-Cal benefits – if not, application for both will be automatically included with CAAP application. https://www.sfhsa.org/services/financial-assistance/county-adult-assistance-programs-caap

https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2024-09/2133cr_en_10_01_2024_accessible.pdf

https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2024-12/flyer_treatment_pathway_english_12.19.24.pdf

https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/politics/daniel-lurie-tightens-requirements-for-sf-welfare-recipients/article_ad3ec330-0443-11f0-a451-33d6c3745dc4.html

Health

Health care in California: How almost everyone has insurance (calmatters.org)

AARP Enrollment Guide https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/enrollment-guide/

Millions of People Pay Medicare Late-Enrollment Penalties for Life after Missing Key Deadlines (aarp.org)

Medicare open-enrollment will be a doozy this year. Here’s how to make smart choices.

https://medicareadvocacy.org/medicare-open-enrollment-updates-2025/

https://www.cms.gov/inflation-reduction-act-and-medicare

https://www.kff.org/medicare/

Joining a plan | Medicare

Medicare open enrollment: Oct. 15-Dec. 7; MA (already enrolled in MA) open enrollment: Jan. 1-Mar. 31

Medicare and You Handbook 2025

Medicare Compare https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/

Medicare Help 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) https://www.medicare.gov/about-us/contact-medicare

Medicare Rights Center 1-800-333-4114 https://www.medicarerights.org/counseling-and-advocacy

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) 855-613-7080 https://cahealthadvocates.org/senior-medicare-patrol-home/

Medicare https://www.medicare.gov/ federal program provides health care coverage for people who are age 65+; under 65 w/disability (SSDI benefits for 24 months), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s disease). Administered by Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227); sign up through SSA 1-800-772-1213. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up

Original Medicare https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/your-medicare-coverage-choices/how-original-medicare-works includes Part A (inpatient/hospital/SNF/hospice/some home health), Part B (outpatient/doctor visit/medical supplies/preventive services).
Part C (Medicare Advantage) offered by Medicare-approved private companies to provide Part A, Part B, and usually Part D benefits https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans
Part D (prescription drug coverage) https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d

Biden administration’s negotiated price cuts for 10 common prescription drugs likely to save Medicare billions, beginning in 2026 (theconversation.com)

https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2024/medicare-changes-coming-in-2025.html

https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2022/how-to-lower-medicare-premiums.html

https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2024/future-medicare-drug-payment-changes.html

Questions to ask before joining a Medicare Advantage Plan - Medicare Interactive

https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-qa-tool/finding-the-best-plan-for-me.html

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/unhappy-with-your-medicare-advantage-plan-nows-the-time-to-make-a-switch-160505757.html

https://theconversation.com/5-of-the-most-frustrating-health-insurer-tactics-and-why-they-exist-245929

https://theconversation.com/americans-rage-at-insurers-goes-beyond-health-coverage-the-author-of-delay-deny-defend-points-to-3-reforms-that-could-help-246598

2024 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles

https://www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/medicare-basics/medicare-overview/upcoming-medicare-changes

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs

help from state paying for Medicare Part A and B premiums; contact county Medi-Cal office

https://cahealthadvocates.org/low-income-help/medicare-savings-programs-msps/

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/Medicare-Savings-Programs-in-California.aspx

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/dhcs_contact.aspx

Medigap (Medicare Supplement Health Insurance) | CMS optional coverage to help pay for some costs (deductibles, coinsurance, copayments) not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and B). One-time, 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts 1st month you’re 65 + enrolled in Part B: guaranteed right to buy any Medicap policy regardless of health status; after this period, may not be able to buy Medigap policy, or may cost more https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/ready-to-buy

Extra Help with Medicare Part D https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs

automatic if also receive full Medicaid or SSI. Apply for Extra Help at https://secure.ssa.gov/i1020/start

*2025 Medicare Prescription Payment Plan https://www.cms.gov/inflation-reduction-act-and-medicare/part-d-improvements/medicare-prescription-payment-plan

Extra Help program for people on Medicare - PAN Foundation

Health Consumer Alliance (HCA) https://healthconsumer.org/ is the official Consumer Assistance Program supported by the CA Department of Managed Health Care and Covered CA; network of ten consumer assistance programs operated by community-based legal services organizations across the state of CA, helping people who are struggling to get or maintain health coverage and resolve problems with their health plans.

Bay Area Legal Aid Health Consumer Center 1-855-693-7285 legal help with a health care issue or unfair medical billing problem https://baylegal.org/what-we-do/health-care/health-care-access/

https://baylegal.org/get-help/find-an-office/san-francisco-county/

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) https://www.hicap.org/ offers free, unbiased, one-on-one assistance from health insurance counselors registered by CA Department of Aging. Schedule appointment: 415-677-7520 or 1-800-434-0222.

Livanta is Beneficiary & Family-Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO) for Medicare beneficiaries. 877-588-1123. https://www.livantaqio.com/en/states/california

How to Find Low-Cost Health Care for What Medicare Doesn't Cover (nextavenue.org)

Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, and Hearing Care? (ncoa.org)

Medicaid/Medi-Cal (MC) https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal

*2024 FPL ceilings for Medi-Cal

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/eligibility/letters/Documents/24-02.pdf

My Medi-Cal: How to Get the Health Care You Need (2/2019)

Medi-Cal Archives - Health Consumer Alliance (HCA)

Spousal Impoverishment | Medicaid

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/eligibility/letters/Documents/I24-16.pdf

Medi-Cal joint federal-state health insurance program for people with limited income. Call 855-355-5757. Apply online https://www.mybenefitscalwin.org/

https://www.sfhsa.org/services/health/medi-cal/apply-medi-cal

Medicaid 101 for Older Adults (windows.net)

Medi-Cal Enrollees: Here’s How to Verify Your Eligibility - California Health Care Foundation (chcf.org)

Medi-Cal coverage to undocumented children and young adults age 25 or younger

Eff. 5/01/2022: Medi-Cal expansion to age 50+, regardless of immigration status

Eff. 1/01/2024: Medi-Cal expansion to undocumented immigrants of all ages; close gap ages 26-49

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Get-Medi-Cal/Pages/coverage-for-all.aspx

Eff. 1/01/2024 elimination of asset limit test for ABD, in LTC facility, or on Medicare https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/Asset-Limit-Changes.aspx

Eff. 7/01/2022-12/31/2023: non-exempt asset limit $130K single, $65K additional person (*some couples may be eligible for additional income & asset protection)

Medi-Cal MAGI for age 19-64, no Medicare: countable income <138% FPL; no SOC; cannot use deductions to reduce gross income; no asset limit

Medi-Cal for People with Medicare https://cahealthadvocates.org/low-income-help/medi-cal-for-people-with-medicare/#MediCalPrograms

SSI automatically qualify for full Medi-Cal coverage
Aged (65+), Blind & Disabled (ABD) FPL < 138% (*2024: $1,732 single, $2,352 couple); supplemental health insurance can lower countable income
Medi-Cal with Share of Cost (SOC)
250% California Working Disabled (CWD)

https://www.sfhsa.org/services/health/medi-cal

https://www.coveredca.com/pdfs/FPL-chart.pdf

https://justiceinaging.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Medi-Cal-Asset-Limit-Elimination-and-Older-Adult-Expansion-FAQ.pdf

**if have both Medicare + Medi-Cal, Medicare is primary payer + Medi-Cal is secondary payer

https://cahealthadvocates.org/low-income-help/medi-cal-for-people-with-medicare/

Coordination of Benefits | CMS

Proper payment order (who pays 1st) - provide all types of coverage on Initial Enrollment Q-naire (IEQ) -Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center (BCRC) 1-855-798-2627

https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11546-Medicare-Coordination-of-Benefits-Getting-Started.pdf

Medi-Cal SOC

https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Documents/2021%20Forms/ShareOfCost.pdf

https://canhr.org/understanding-the-shared-monthly-cost-for-medi-cal/

What Is a Medicaid Spend Down? (ncoa.org)

Medi-Cal Spend Down https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-california/

Ways to lower/stop Medi-Cal SOC https://www.smcgov.org/media/148136/download?inline=

SFDPH CBHS Medi-Cal SOC

https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/2.03-12%20Medi-Cal%20Share%20of%20Cost%202010-12-06.pdf

https://www.sfdph.org/dph/files/CBHSdocs/BHISdocs/UserDoc/MediCalSOCFactSheet.pdf

Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Care Options (HCO) https://www.healthcareoptions.dhcs.ca.gov/

Compare medical plans and dental plans | Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Care Options

Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, SFHP

National Health Law Program (NHeLP) Advocates Guide to Medi-Cal Services (12/22/2022) https://healthlaw.org/resource/an-advocates-guide-to-medi-cal-services/

Medi-Cal LTC Programs https://www.medicaidlongtermcare.org/eligibility/california/

Medi-Cal for LTC Facility (no age restrictions): benes pay almost all of income as SOC, keep small Personal Needs Allowance; 30-month lookback period on transfers of assets over limit

Medi-Cal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

Spousal impoverishment rule for HCBS: allows "Community Spouse"/Registered Domestic Partner (RDP) to retain add'l income, w/o jeopardizing eligibility for Medi-Cal spouse

https://canhr.org/using-californias-spousal-impoverishment-rule-for-home-and-community-based-services/

IHSS (assist I/ADLs; 24-hr protective supervision if mental/cognitive impairments) - see Personal Care

Home Health (need SNF level of care)
HCBS Waiver (NF level of care): ALW (age 21+); AIDS Medi-Cal Waiver; HCBA Waiver; HCBS for Developmentally Disabled (regional center consumers); MSSP (age 65+)
Medicaid Demonstration: CBAS ADHC (age 18+); CalAIM Enhanced CM; PACE (age 55+)

CalAIM https://justiceinaging.org/advocate-guide-calaim-for-older-adults-and-people-with-disabilities/

CalAIM for Seniors & PWD https://www.chcf.org/collection/calaim-seniors-people-disabilities/

HCBS Quick Guide - CANHR

Medicaid Home and Community Based Services for Older Adults with Disabilities: A Primer

Issue Brief & Fact Sheet: HCBS Equity Framework - Justice in Aging

Breaking Down Barriers to Personal Care: Unlocking Vital Services for Those Who Need Them Most - Justice in Aging

Med-Cal Estate Recovery

New Bill Would End Medicaid Estate Recovery & Help Close Racial Wealth Gap (salsalabs.org)

Medi-Cal Inter-County Transfer https://www.homebaseccc.org/medicaid-renewals

Senior Medi-Benefits 888-789-4589 http://www.seniormedi-benefits.org/ help "navigate the bureaucratic inertia, convoluted guidelines, conflicting paperwork, and difficult Eligibility requirement issues -- our specific expertise is for California's Medi-Cal long term care and In Home programs, and, the SSI disability program."

Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment: Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 in CA

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/aca-obamacare-enrollment-new-rules-warnings/

https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/2022/07/the-aca-marketplace-is-a-scam-covered-with-the-veneer-of-choice

Federal marketplace https://www.healthcare.gov/
Covered California https://www.coveredca.com/

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/?zip=San%2BFrancisco

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFCC) https://nafcclinics.org/find-clinic/

If no health insurance & no qualify for Medi-Cal or Covered California plans:

Clinic by the Bay https://www.clinicbythebay.org/services 4877 Mission St./France,94112,415-405-0222
Healthy SF https://healthysanfrancisco.org/ 415-615-4555
SF Free Clinic https://sffc.org/ 4900 California St./11th Ave., 94118, 415-750-9894
Tenderloin Health Services/HealthRight360, Glide, 330 Ellis St., 6th Flr, 94102, 415-674-6140
Tom Waddell Urgent Care, 50 Ivy St./Dr Tom Waddell Place, 94102, 415-355-7400

SF Community Clinic Consortium (SFCCC) https://www.sfccc.org/member-clinics

California CareForce organizes free, pop-up clinics that provide access to basic and critical dental, vision and medical care to those who would otherwise be forced to go without. https://www.californiacareforce.org/

SF Hospital ED

CPMC Davies, Castro & Duboce, 94117, 415-600-0600

https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/cpmc-emergency-davies-campus

CPMC Mission Bernal, 3335 Cesar Chavez, 94110, 415-641-6625

https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/cpmc-emergency-mission-bernal-campus

CPMC Van Ness, 1101 Van Ness, 94109, 415-600-6000

https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/cpmc-van-ness-campus

Chinese Hospital, 845 Jackson, 94133, 415-677-2300 https://chinesehospital-sf.org/emergency-services/

Kaiser, 2425 Geary, 94115, 415-833-3304 https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/care-near-you/northern-california/sanfrancisco/departments/emergency/

Saint Francis Memorial, 900 Hyde St, 94109, 415-353-6000

https://sfcommunityhospitals.ucsfhealth.org/saint-francis/services/emergency-care

https://locations.dignityhealth.org/emergency-room-saint-francis-memorial-hospital

St. Mary's, 450 Stanyan St, 94117, 415-668-1000

https://sfcommunityhospitals.ucsfhealth.org/st-marys/services/emergency-care

https://locations.dignityhealth.org/emergency-room-st-mary's-medical-center

SFGH, 1001 Potrero, 94110, 415-206-8125

https://zuckerbergsanfranciscogeneral.org/find-care/emergency-urgent-care/

UCSF, 505 Parnassus, 94143, 415-353-1037 https://www.ucsfhealth.org/clinics/emergency-department

8/01/2024 Saint Francis and St. Mary's Have Joined UCSF Health | UCSF Health

You have rights in an emergency room under EMTALA | CMS

Public Conservator: for those unable to manage their needs due to grave disability (e.g., severe mental health &/or substance use disorders). 415-355-3555, SFPC@sfgov.org https://www.sfhsa.org/services/disability-aging-services/public-conservator

Public Guardian: for those unable to manage their needs due to cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia, TBI). 415-355-3555, SFPGReferral@sfgov.org

https://www.sfhsa.org/services/disability-aging-services/public-guardian-public-administrator-and-representative-payee-programs

Public Administrator: for San Franciscans who have died without available family members/loved ones who are able to handle their estate/remains. 415-355-3555, SFPA@sfgov.org

https://www.sfhsa.org/services/disability-aging-services/public-guardian-public-administrator-and-representative-payee-programs

Representative Payee: for older adults/adults with disabilities who cannot independently manage their Social Security (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, other public benefits. 415-355-3555.

https://www.sfhsa.org/services/disability-aging-services/public-guardian-public-administrator-and-representative-payee-programs

Addressing Bias in the Guardianship Process - Justice in Aging

Employer-sponsored benefit plans

Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, SF Regional Office, 90 7th St, Ste 11-300, 94103, Tel. 415-625-2481. Assist participants and beneficiaries of employee benefit plans under Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/key-topics/health-and-other-employee-benefits

Pension Help America https://www.pensionhelp.org/help/resources#counseling_projects

Western States Pension Assistance Project 866-413-4911 https://lsnc.net/office/western-states-pension-assistance-project Free telephone consultation with an attorney or legal advocate to help understand your retirement plan rights and claim the benefits you have earned.

Emergency Preparedness

https://www.sfhsa.org/services/protection-safety/emergency-preparedness-and-assistance

SF Department of Emergency Management (DEM)

https://www.sf.gov/departments/department-emergency-management

In an Emergency | SF72

SF Fire Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT), 2130 Folsom St. 94110, 415-970-2022.

https://sf-fire.org/nert

https://sf-fire.org/fire-station-locations

CA Emergency Preparedness Guide

https://agingincalifornia.org/collections/emergency-preparedness-guide-collection

Webinar on Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults & PWD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtx04TO97OI

American Red Cross of the Bay Area, 1663 Market St., 94103, 415-427-8000.