The Health Service Agency offers a comprehensive range of medical programs aimed at promoting and ensuring the well-being of the community. With a strong commitment to providing quality healthcare services, HSA has established an array of initiatives designed to address various health needs. These Benefit Programs encompass preventive care, primary healthcare services, specialized treatments, and more delivered by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals. By focusing on accessibility, innovation, and a patient-centered approach, the Benefit Programs listed on this page strive to enhance the overall health and vitality of individuals and families in the county.

Access to Care Program

The Access to Care Program—in collaboration with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation— is a referral-based program for specialty medical care.

Eligibility

The Access to Care program will review the following items for patient eligibility:

  • Santa Cruz County residency for at least 6 months
  • Income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Medi-Cal eligibility
  • Patient's assets & resources
  • Requires a specialty medical care referral to MediCruz

Typical coverage period

Approvals are valid for one year.

Questions?

Please contact a Health Client Benefits Representative at (831) 454-4340 (Emeline Health Center) or (831) 763-8172 (Watsonville Health Center)

AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)

ADAP is a medication assistance program for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Eligibility

The AIDs Drug Assistance Program will review the following items for patient eligibility:

  • California residents at or below 500% FPL who are not fully covered by Medi-Cal or any other third-party payers.

Typical coverage period

Approvals are valid for one year.

Questions?

Check out the OA ADAP Branch website.

Breast & Cervical Cancer Treatment Program

The Breast & Cervical Cancer Treatment Program is a cancer treatment program for patients diagnosed with breast and/or cervical cancer.

Eligibility

The Breast & Cervical Treatment Program will review the following items for patient eligibility:

  • Any California resident affected by breast or cervical cancer.
  • Must be below 200% Federal Poverty Level.

Typical coverage period

Coverage is provided for the duration that a patient needs services and meets eligibility requirements.

Questions?

Breast & Cervical Cancer Treatment Program Eligibility Specialist phone number 1-800-824-0088.
Hours of operation Monday - Friday, 8am - 5 pm

MediCruz Program

MediCruz is the County of Santa Cruz managed health care program of last resort for residents of Santa Cruz County who are uninsured or underinsured, regardless of immigration status. This program is a referral-based program in collaboration with safety net clinics to cover specialty medical care. The patient’s primary care provider will initiate a referral when specialty services are needed, and the services are covered for a limited time period.

Eligibility

The MediCruz program will review the following items for patient eligibility:

  • Santa Cruz County residency for at least 6 months.
  • Income that is between 139% to 160% of the Federal Poverty Level.”
  • Medi-Cal eligibility.
  • Patient's assets & resources.
  • Requires a specialty medical care referral to MediCruz.

What’s covered?

Some specialties covered by MediCruz may include the following:

  • Dermatology
  • Enterology
  • Gastroenterology
  • OB/GYN
  • Nephrology
  • Neurology
  • Orthopedics
  • Urology

Not all specialties are eligible for MediCruz coverage, and each case is reviewed on an individual basis by our Health Client Benefit Representatives & Health Center Medical Directors. Please contact one of our Health Client Benefit Representatives for eligibility and additional information.

Have an appointment?

If you have a MediCruz Appointment, here’s what to bring:

  • Identification: Drivers license, ID card, Passport or birth certificate.
  • Proof of residency: Utility bill or mail received at a residence in Santa Cruz County between 6-12 months prior to the date of application.
  • Proof of current income: Recent Federal tax return, W-2 or 1099, 2 recent and consecutive paystubs, self-employment record, loans, & other income
  • Proof of resources: Recent bank statement, vehicle registration, etc.

Contact

(831) 763-8172 (Monday, Wednesday, & Friday) – Watsonville Health Center

(831) 454-4340 (Tuesday & Thursday) – Emeline Health Center

Homeless Persons Health Project

Maribel Gomez, Health Client Benefits Representative
Maribel.Gomez@santacruzcountyca.gov

(831) 454-5180

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Assistance Program (PrEP-AP)

PrEP-AP is a medication assistance program for HIV-negative individuals who need medication to reduce their risk of becoming infected.

Eligibility

The Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Assistance Program will review the following items for patient eligibility:

  • California residents at or below 500% FPL who are not fully covered by Medi-Cal or any other third-party payers.

Typical coverage period

  • One year

Questions?

Check out the OA ADAP Branch website.

Ryan White Part C/Early Intervention Services

The Ryan White Part C/Early Intervention Services Program is managed by the Health Services Agency Clinics Services Division for HIV/AIDS positive patients in need of clinic and specialty services.

Eligibility

The Ryan White Part C/Early Intervention Services Program will review the following items for patient eligibility:

  • Santa Cruz County residents who have HIV/AIDs
  • Must be below 500% Federal Poverty Level
  • Uninsured or underinsured

Typical coverage period

  • Varies on a case-by-case basis, typically for 6 months and then recertification of status is required.

Questions?

Please contact Health Client Benefits Representative at (831) 454-4340 (Emeline Health Center) or (831) 763-8172 (Watsonville Health Center)

Other Benefits

Our Health Client Benefit Representatives also assist County Clinic patients in submitting verifications & applications for the following programs: