Insurance and payment at Operation Samahan
Short answer: Operation Samahan says it accepts Medicare, Medi-Cal, Covered California plans and most private insurance, and sees uninsured patients. Uninsured patients can apply for its sliding fee program, which is based on household income and family size.[1][2] Confirm coverage for a specific plan directly with Operation Samahan.
Which insurance does Operation Samahan accept?
Under the heading “We accept”, the website lists Medicare, Medi-Cal, Covered California, “Most Private Insurance” and uninsured patients.[1] It does not list individual Medi-Cal managed care plans or private insurers in text, and this wiki has not verified participation in any specific plan. Check with Operation Samahan and with your plan.
How does the sliding fee program work?
As described by Operation Samahan:[2]
- Eligibility is based on household income and family size; patients who qualify may pay a reduced cost for most services.
- To apply, patients complete the Opsam Slide Fee Application Form and provide proof of income, such as a recent pay stub or tax return, at any clinic.
- The program uses a nominal (flat-rate) fee for basic medical, behavioral and dental services; some lab tests, supplies or equipment may cost extra.
The FAQ adds that unemployed applicants may provide a notarized self-declaration statement, brought to the clinic within 14 days.[3] HRSA requires all funded health centers to adjust their fees based on income and family size and to serve everyone, even if they cannot pay.[4] Operation Samahan does not publish its fee amounts or income thresholds online; ask the front desk.
Can I be seen without insurance?
Yes, according to Operation Samahan: patients without insurance can pay out of pocket or apply for the sliding fee program.[3] Uninsured patients are referred to Certified Enrollment Counselors for help with coverage, at (209) 683-4897 (north) or (209) 683-5908 (south).[1] Operation Samahan says it accepts patients regardless of immigration status and does not ask for proof of status.[3]
How is billing handled?
Operation Samahan says it accepts cash, credit cards and checks, usually sends billing statements monthly, and offers payment plans.[3] For billing, the FAQ gives the number 800-244-2426 (“choose admin, then billing”), which differs from the main number, (844) 200-2426, used elsewhere on the site.[3] This wiki has not confirmed which is correct.
How are its patients insured?
In its 2025 report to HRSA, Operation Samahan reported 15,037 patients, of whom:[5]
| Primary coverage (2025) | Patients | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / CHIP (Medi-Cal) | 10,687 | 71.1% |
| Medicare | 2,014 | 13.4% |
| Uninsured | 1,231 | 8.2% |
| Private insurance | 1,105 | 7.3% |
| Total | 15,037 | 100% |
Shares are calculated by this wiki from the reported counts.
Frequently asked questions
Does Opsam Health accept Medi-Cal?
Operation Samahan lists Medi-Cal among the coverage it accepts, and about 71% of its 2025 patients were covered by Medicaid/CHIP.[1][5]
Does Operation Samahan accept Covered California plans?
Covered California is on the website’s “We accept” list. Specific plans are not named, so check with Operation Samahan and your plan.[1]
What do I need to apply for the sliding fee program?
Operation Samahan asks for a completed application and proof of income, such as a pay stub or tax return; unemployed applicants may provide a notarized self-declaration.[2][3]
Do I need to be a legal resident to be seen?
Operation Samahan says it accepts patients regardless of immigration status and does not ask for proof of status.[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e "Opsam Health" (home page). Operation Samahan, Inc. (opsam.org). Retrieved 1 October 2026.
- ^ a b c "Sliding Fee Program in San Diego, CA". Operation Samahan, Inc. (opsam.org). Retrieved 1 October 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Frequently Asked Questions for Opsam Health". Operation Samahan, Inc. (opsam.org). Retrieved 1 October 2026.
- ^ "What is a Health Center?" (last reviewed November 2025). HRSA Bureau of Primary Health Care. Retrieved 1 October 2026.
- ^ a b "Uniform Data System (UDS) awardee data, reporting year 2025" (file H80-2025.xlsx, refreshed 7 May 2026), Operation Samahan, Inc.. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Retrieved 1 October 2026.