California / Urgent Help Needed: Mother’s Healthcare Situation

Hi everyone,

I'm facing a critical situation with my mom's healthcare here in the USA and could really use some advice.

My mom recently came to stay with me, but due to delays in obtaining her Social Security card, I couldn't purchase private insurance for her. Unfortunately, she suddenly experienced a severe headache and lost control of her right arm and leg. We rushed her to the emergency room where they discovered a mass in her brain.

The hospital provided her with HPE (Hospital Presumptive Eligibility) to start treatment, but now they're saying she may need radiation and chemotherapy, services they don't offer in-house. To access these treatments, she needs "full-scope Medi-Cal," but the application process takes 45 to 60 days, which she can't afford to wait.

Here's my dilemma: can I buy Covered California insurance for her in the meantime? When I applied for "full-scope Medi-Cal," the hospital advised me to state that my mom and dad have no income. However, my dad now has a job and could potentially purchase Covered California insurance. Will this create a conflict when they review my mom's Medi-Cal application alongside a potential Covered California application?

I've spoken to a broker who suggested applying for Covered California today, under the special enrollment period (since she's within 60 days of arrival), which could provide coverage starting next month.

Any insights or experiences you can share would be immensely helpful right now. Thank you in advance for your support.

submitted by /u/Background_Town_6076
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