There are a number of ways to become eligible for health insurance in California. The easiest way for getting health insurance coverage is through an employer health plan. If unemployed, you can apply for coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1984, which allows coverage during periods of unemployment for individuals. In the event that COBRA epires, you just have to offer a conversion policy without the need for underwriting, health questions, and medical eams. You can also apply for coverage for health insurance in California through your local county social services agency. This agency will eamine your family situation and income to determine your eligibility for coverage for some health insurance programs. These programs include Medicare, Healthy Families, and Medi-Cal. By taking classes at a community college in California, you may benefit from the school's health insurance program. You may also apply for health coverage through the Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP). This program was designed to provide coverage for individuals whose insurance applications have been turned down everywhere else. To become eligible for MRMIP, you must be a resident of California and you should not be eligible for other insurance coverage particularly Medicare and COBRA or Cal-COBRA. If you do not qualify for the above-mentioned coverage and programs for health insurance in California, then you should apply for financial assistance programs in your local county hospital. You only need to present documents that show your income and financial condition to become eligible for these assistance programs. -- June 26, 2009 @ 2:46 pm