Finding doctors near me that accept Medicaid can feel like a full-time job. You call one clinic and they say no. You try another, and the wait is six weeks out. In California, Medicaid is called Medi-Cal. Millions of people rely on it for basic health care. However, not every doctor or clinic takes it. So what do you do when you need care today? CityHealth Urgent Care in San Leandro and Oakland sees Medi-Cal patients every day, with no appointment needed.
Medically reviewed by Sean Parkin, PA, CEO & Founder — Urgent Care
Why It’s So Hard to Find Doctors Near Me That Accept Medicaid
If you have Medi-Cal, you already know the struggle. Also, you are not alone. Millions of people in California face this same problem. Because Medi-Cal pays doctors less than private plans, many of them simply choose not to take it.
In fact, Medi-Cal payment rates are among the lowest in the country. For example, a doctor may get $30 for a visit that a private plan would pay $120 for. As a result, many offices limit or turn away Medi-Cal patients. Consequently, people with Medi-Cal often end up in the ER for issues that urgent care could handle at a much lower cost.
Furthermore, even clinics that do take Medi-Cal may have long wait times. So you might get a spot, but it could be weeks away. Meanwhile, your sore throat, ear pain, or sprained ankle needs care now.
What Is Medi-Cal and How Does It Work?
Medi-Cal is the California version of Medicaid. It gives free or low-cost health coverage to people who qualify. Currently, more than 14 million people in the state are on the program. You can learn more on the California DHCS Medi-Cal page.
Specifically, Medi-Cal covers many types of care. These include doctor visits, hospital stays, drug costs, lab tests, and check-ups. In addition, it covers urgent care visits at walk-in clinics like CityHealth.
However, Medi-Cal works through managed care plans in most counties. In Alameda County, the main plan is Alameda Alliance for Health. Therefore, if you live in the East Bay, your Medi-Cal is likely run by Alameda Alliance. Still, CityHealth takes both standard Medi-Cal and Alameda Alliance. So either way, you are covered.
Doctors Near Me That Accept Medicaid: What Urgent Care Can Treat
Many people think urgent care is only for big health scares. That is not true. In fact, urgent care clinics treat many common health issues. Because CityHealth takes Medi-Cal, you can walk in for any of these needs and not worry about cost.
Here is what CityHealth can help you with:
- Cold and flu symptoms including fever, cough, and congestion
- Sore throats and ear infections
- Minor injuries such as sprains, strains, and cuts
- Skin issues including rashes, insect bites, and minor burns
- Stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- X-rays for possible fractures
- Lab tests including strep, flu, and COVID testing
- Sports and school physicals
Essentially, if your health issue is not a threat to your life but still needs fast care, urgent care is the right choice. Also, you skip the long waits and high costs of an ER visit.
What to Bring to Your Urgent Care Visit
Before you head to CityHealth, make sure you have the right items ready. Specifically, having the right cards and info will help your visit go fast and smooth.
Here is what to bring:
- Your Medi-Cal BIC card. This is the plastic card with your name, ID number, and issue date.
- Your Alameda Alliance member ID card if you are on that plan.
- A photo ID such as a driver’s license or state ID.
- A list of your current meds if you take any.
- Any health records if you have them on hand.
Moreover, if you do not have your card on you, you can still get care. Just give your name and date of birth so the front desk team can check your plan. Still, having your card with you makes things faster.
Also, if you have lost your BIC card, you can ask for a new one. Just call your county social services office or the Medi-Cal helpline.
Understanding Alameda Alliance for Health
Alameda Alliance for Health is a managed care plan for Medi-Cal members in Alameda County. Because most Medi-Cal users in this area are signed up through Alameda Alliance, it helps to know how it works.
Specifically, Alameda Alliance acts as the go-between for you and your doctors. Instead of billing Medi-Cal on its own, your doctor bills Alameda Alliance. Therefore, when you look for care, you want a provider that is in the Alameda Alliance network.
Fortunately, CityHealth is in the Alameda Alliance network. So you can walk in to our San Leandro or Oakland clinic, and your visit will be covered. In addition, you will not get a surprise bill after your visit.
For more about insurance options at CityHealth, visit our insurance page.
Why CityHealth Is a Smart Choice for Medi-Cal Patients
Unlike many private offices, CityHealth was built to serve the community. Because we take Medi-Cal and Alameda Alliance, we remove one of the biggest walls between you and the care you need. Here is why patients choose us.
No appointment needed. Just walk in during our open hours. First, you will check in at the front desk. Then, a provider will see you, often within 30 minutes.
No cost with Medi-Cal. Your visit is covered by your plan. So you should not owe anything for covered care. Similarly, lab tests and X-rays done on-site are most often covered too.
Two handy spots. We have clinics in both San Leandro and Oakland. Consequently, East Bay locals have easy access to good care close to home.
Also, if you are currently uninsured, we can still help. Check out our guides on finding doctors near me without insurance and how to handle a doctor visit without insurance.
What If I Do Not Have Medi-Cal Yet?
Perhaps you think you qualify for Medi-Cal but have not signed up yet. In that case, you can still come to CityHealth and get care. Although you may need to pay out of pocket at first, our staff can help point you to sign-up help.
Specifically, you may qualify for Medi-Cal if your income is below a certain level. For instance, a single adult making under about $20,000 per year may be able to join. Also, families, pregnant women, children, and seniors often qualify at higher income levels.
Furthermore, California has opened up Medi-Cal to cover all adults who meet the income limit, no matter their status. So even if you were turned away before, you may now qualify.
To apply, go to your local county social services office or apply online through Covered California. Indeed, the process is often easier than people think.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicaid and Finding Doctors
Does CityHealth accept Medi-Cal and Alameda Alliance?
Yes. CityHealth takes both standard Medi-Cal and Alameda Alliance for Health. Because we are in their network, your urgent care visit should be fully covered. Moreover, lab tests and X-rays done on-site are often covered as well. Just bring your BIC card or Alameda Alliance member ID to your visit.
Why do so many doctors refuse Medicaid and Medi-Cal patients?
The main reason is low pay from the state. Because Medi-Cal pays much less than private plans, many doctors feel they cannot afford to take it. As a result, patients with Medi-Cal often struggle to find a doctor. However, urgent care clinics like CityHealth are set up to serve all types of patients, including those with Medi-Cal.
Can I go to urgent care with Medi-Cal, or do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to visit CityHealth. In fact, one of the best things about urgent care is that you can just walk in. So if you need help with a health issue that is not a true crisis, you can come to CityHealth any day of the week. There is no need to call ahead.
What services does Medi-Cal cover at urgent care?
Medi-Cal covers many types of urgent care. Specifically, it covers treatment for colds, flu, and infections. Also, it covers minor injury care, X-rays, lab tests, and physicals. Essentially, if you need fast care for an issue that is not life-threatening, Medi-Cal will likely cover it at CityHealth.
Get the Care You Deserve Today
You should not have to spend hours looking for doctors near me that accept Medicaid. Instead, just walk into CityHealth. We take Medi-Cal and Alameda Alliance, and we are ready to help you today.
San Leandro: 15000 Hesperian Blvd, San Leandro, CA
Oakland: 2693 International Blvd, Oakland, CA
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM. Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Walk in anytime. No appointment needed. Because everyone deserves good health care, no matter what plan they are on.
