By skyforbes Hi, I’m currently a minor however I’m turning the legal age (18) later this month (October). I live in California and attend university in California (University of Southern California for context) as a full time student, and I’m currently a freshmen.
I am an independent minor but I am not emancipated because that would take months, and I would be already 18 (also because of my circumstances.) My single-mother passed away early 2024 and I have been receiving Social Security Survivor’s benefits which ended last month (the month before I turn 18). I have no legal guardians on documents, and the social security agent was aware of this and gave me an exception. I’m also unemployed and don’t receive any other aid for things other than financial aid for USC, but not full coverage and still need to pay from what I have from my social security benefits money.
My problem now is, am I able to apply for Medi-Cal for free in my case? Or is it better to turn 18? My university needs students to have a health insurance plan or else they put you under their own health insurance (additional 2.5k a semester that I cannot afford). I believe I’m able to pay this semester but need to have health insurance for next semester. I also emailed the health department and they were willing to extend my insurance proof to October 4th, but I don’t think I’m able to be covered before then.
What should I do? Any insights is greatly appreciate, or if you need more info!