Merced County assistance programs.

Get free or discounted health care

A variety of programs that can help pay for health care is offered to low and mid income families by Golden Valley Health Care clinics. Phone (209) 383-7441. They operate several locations throughout the area.

The community health centers offer heavily discounted, or even free health care and services. They provide both primary medical and also dental care to all qualified residents, including including seasonal and migrant farm workers, the homeless, and Southeast Asian refugees. In addition to the primary care services offered, the Golden Valley Health Centers and clinics provides specialized programs to promote health and deal with non standard services.

They do accept insurance at Golden Valley as well. They take patients with Medicare, Medical, Healthy Families and they also accept most private health insurance. If a patient is underinsured or uninsured and their income is low, they may be qualified for discounted rates or grant programs that provide free services.

There are some options for people to get prescription drug assistance as well. Help for medicines is available for the low income and uninsured from the United Way. They offer a savings card that will reduce prescription drug costs at most pharmacies by 10 to 30 percent. Both Golden Valley and the United Way of Merced County have been distributing pharmacy cards since 2007, and since then it is estimated the cards have saved Merced County residents almost $50,000 on medicines.

Maybe the best news is that these cards are free, and there are no criteria. There are no income limits, age restrictions. The cards can be used by anyone.

 

 

 

Emergency family crisis programs for paying bills and expenses

If you need help for bills or an unexpected crisis, contact the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fresno at 209-383-2494. This agency offers a variety of assistance programs. For example, they provide forms and assistance for rent programs, such as help completing the applications for the Homeowners and Renters Assistance program. Other areas of emergency and crisis assistance provided include assisting families in need with funerals, acquiring prescription drugs, funds for energy bills, facilitating transportation for stranded travelers or for family members that may have a loved one in the hospital. Catholic Charities knows that assisting families in times of crisis or a hardship requires meeting needs through direct services or by referral to another agency or government program if necessary.

Receive access to numerous forms of assistance from the Merced Salvation Army. Services and resources offered to the local community include food such as hot breakfast & dinner meals, groceries, rent assistance, emergency lodging, gas vouchers, back-to school supplies, clothing, toys, coats for kids, household products, toiletries, diapers, and other emergency assistance and grants. 209-383-4225.

Merced County Community Action Agency is the local non-profit. They are a great place to turn to for information, counseling, and from time to time limited financial assistance. Among the programs and services they offer to the low income and struggling individuals include:

• Housing services - If you are facing an eviction from your home or apartment, or if you are currently homeless,  they have Homeless Prevention Funds, an emergency shelter, and possible one time cash payments.
• Help paying energy and utility bills - The community action agency runs the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program has two components, including Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), which provides crisis financial assistance to low-income households that are in a crisis situation. Read more. The second component is the Home Assistance Program (HEAP), which provides a direct financial payment or cash grant to an eligible client’s utility bill to help offset the cost of home heating or cooling bills for their home.
• Weatherization and home repairs - Funding may be offered to install energy saving improvements to a clients home, and money to ensure the home is safe and liveable. Improvements such as caulking, insulation, heating and cooling unit repairs, and more are provided.
• Food assistance - they can accept applications and direct people to the Women Infants and Children (WIC) program. Learn how to apply for WIC.

Call the Merced County Community Action Agency at (209) 723-4565.

 

 

Get free groceries and food

A local charity, Harvest Time, provides food to individuals and families that are trying to find the money for food, and who would otherwise go hungry. By providing nutritional needs and offering groceries to people of all ages, they help promote good health and allow clients to seek employment in the Merced County area. 209-723-2395. Read more on cheap food in California.

Another option is the Merced County Food Bank (phone 209-726-3663) which is a private non-profit charity organization. They partner with dozens of local food banks and charities to offer services and free food to people in need. Their goal is to feed the hungry in the local area.

Medical and health care in Merced

If you need access to high quality medical services, call Golden Valley Health Centers (209-383-7411) which is a private, non-profit health care organization. The facility employs a team of doctors, nurses, behavioral health clinicians, dentists and other medical professionals who are all highly dedicated and committed to providing high quality, primary health care and dental services to individuals and families in the service area – regardless of language, their financial means or status or cultural barriers.