March 18, 2024
Program helps member prioritize her health
Medical Financial Assistance program supports access to health care.
Kaiser Permanente program helps provide peace of mind when it’s needed most.
Kaiser Permanente supports access to health care for people in need through Medicaid and charitable care programs, including the Kaiser Permanente Medical Financial Assistance program. MFA helps qualified patients who are uninsured or underinsured, and people who have low incomes or high medical costs relative to their income, receive financial assistance to cover the costs of medically necessary care at Kaiser Permanente.
Elizabeth Ayala applied to the MFA program in January 2024 after hearing about it from her doctor.
“It was an easy process. I was relieved because the representatives were very helpful. I could call and ask them questions if I needed to. It’s a tough thing to even ask for help,” said Ayala. “There was no delay and after I was approved, I was able to access the medical care I needed.”
Between 2022 and 2023, the number of patients served through the Kaiser Permanente MFA program rose by 38% across Southern California, and approvals for MFA applications increased by almost 45%.
Ayala tells her story to help others. “I would go without checking my health for a long time because I couldn’t afford it. I put my health last, but with this program, I can put it first. It brings tears to my eyes and so many people could benefit from this program. It saved my life. I feel privileged to say I am a KP member.”
To reach more communities and provide high-quality and equitable health care, Kaiser Permanente increased outreach about the program in Southern California, resulting in an 88% increase to MFA award dollars in Southern California between 2022 and 2023.
Learn more about the Kaiser Permanente Medical Financial Assistance program, including eligibility criteria and the application process.
