What is the Specialty MediCruz Program?
MediCruz is a County of Santa Cruz managed health care program of last resort for the uninsured residents of Santa Cruz County. If you have private health insurance or are eligible for any other public health benefit program such as Medi-Cal (including PRUCOL) or Medicare you will be required to apply for them instead of MediCruz.
What Services are Offered?
MediCruz provides financial assistance for medical care for qualifying medical conditions, with limited pharmacy services based on the MediCruz formulary (no generic drugs available), laboratory services, and x-ray services.
Click here for services that are not covered by MediCruz
- Services are covered for a limited period specific to the treatment of the qualifying condition. Clients are expected to renew their application every three to six months depending on medical condition.
- All non-emergency specialty care outside the county clinics must be preauthorized by MediCruz before services are received or they will not be covered.
- Emergency care services are not covered by MediCruz.
- Urgent Care at Palo Alto Medical Foundation Westside Clinic in Santa Cruz is available after 5:00 pm and on weekends and will be authorized with MediCruz before treatment is given. Click here for more information on how to access this service.
What are the requirements for MediCruz eligibility?
- Must be a current permanent resident of Santa Cruz County and provide proof of residency.
- Must be over 19 years old.
- Must have a current medical need that is covered by the program. These are subject to medical review.
Click here for list of medical conditions that are not covered by MediCruz.
- Income cannot exceed 100% of the Federal Poverty Level guideline. An applicant with a monthly income over 100% Federal Poverty Limit ($973 for one person) is ineligible for MediCruz.
- If you have private health insurance, Medicare or full benefit Medi-Cal you are not eligible for MediCruz.
- If you have a work-related injury you must file for worker’s compensation.
- If you have an injury from an auto accident you must file a claim against your auto insurance and the other car owner’s insurance if appropriate.
- Income tax returns, pay stubs, and bank account statements are required.
- Eligibility workers will require verification of various information during the eligibility interview.
Are there MediCruz co-pays or share of cost?
MediCruz clients might have to pay a share-of-cost based on their income.
What is the difference between MediCruz and Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. This is a public health insurance program which provides needed health care services for low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, pregnant women, and low income people with specific diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer or HIV/AIDS. Medi-Cal is financed equally by the State and federal government. MediCruz is a local program to assist low-income individuals not eligible for Medi-Cal.
Are there citizenship or residency requirements?
- A non-citizen applicant who does not have permanent residency status can apply for MediCruz for specialty services.
- Regardless of citizenship/residency status, all applicants must be permanent Santa Cruz County residents who have resided in Santa Cruz County for a minimum of 6 consecutive months.
Where do I apply for MediCruz?
You can for apply for MediCruz at either of the two County health care clinics. Eligibility workers are available by appointment. Call one of the hone numbers in the upper right to make an appointment or talk with an eligibility worker. Click here for list of what verification documents you must bring in to apply.