MIA Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I get services through the MIA Program?

What services are not covered by the MIA Program?

How can I apply for Medi-Cal if I don't meet the requirements for MIA?

Can I get MIA services?
Not everyone can get help through the MIA Program. You need to apply to see whether you qualify. This depends on many things including your age, your citizenship, and your income and other resources. You can apply up to seven days before a scheduled medical visit but no later than the day of your visit.

After you apply and provide other needed paperwork, a Medical Services Representative will let you know whether you qualify. Some people who qualify will need to pay for a certain amount of their medical costs themselves each month before the MIA Program will help. This is called meeting a deductible. The amount of this deductible is based on the person's income.

How long can I get services through the MIA Program?
You qualify for one to four months depending on your medical care needs and financial circumstances. You must reapply if you continue to receive care beyond this period. If your application is not approved, you will be billed for the services you received.

Where can I get my medical care?
You can get medical care through the MIA Program at County-operated health clinics by appointment only. To make an appointment, please call any of the following clinics:

Santa Barbara Clinic
345 Camino del Remedio
Santa Barbara, CA
681-5488 or 681-5489

Franklin Clinic
1136 E. Montecito St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
568-2099

Carpinteria Clinic
931 Walnut Ave.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
684-8681

Santa Maria Clinic
2115 S. Centerpointe Pkwy.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
346-7230

Lompoc Clinic
301 N. "R" St.
Lompoc, CA 93436
737-6400

New Cuyama Clinic
4711 Hwy. 166
New Cuyama, CA 93254
766-2558

When you need care that is not available through the county clinic system, your doctor will refer you to a provider in the community. All outside services must be approved ahead of time by the Utilization Review Program. Your prescriptions are covered at County-operated pharmacies. MIA patients who need to be hospitalized go to Cottage Hospital (Santa Barbara) or Marian Medical Center (Santa Maria). Emergency inpatient care is also covered at St. Francis Hospital (Santa Barbara) and Lompoc Hospital (Lompoc).

What services are not covered by the MIA Program?
Routine physicals, dental services and mental health services are not covered by the program. Medical services that can be obtained from a County public health clinic are also not covered by MIA.

How does billing work?
You will not be billed for covered medical care if you qualify for full MIA coverage. If you have a monthly deductible, you will be billed by the County for services you receive until you meet your deductible amount. Your deductible is paid only to the Public Health Department. If you have questions about your bill, please call Patient Accounting at 681-5215. MIA Program staff are not able to help you with your bills.

If you get a bill from a medical provider that you were sent to outside the County clinic, please attach a copy of your approval letter to the bill and mail it back to the provider.

How can I apply for Medi-Cal if I don't meet the requirements for MIA?

Medi-Cal In Santa Barbara County
The California State program of Medi-Cal is locally run by Santa Barbara Regional Health Authority(SBRHA). Information regarding Santa Barbara County's Medi-Cal Program can be obtained from SBHRA.
Click here for the website of SBRHA

For questions about eligibility call

Santa Barbara 681-5398 or 681-5399
Santa Maria 346-7241 or 346-7374
Lompoc 737-6486

Patients may call Patient Accounting for questions on bills for County clinic services at 681-5215.

Providers may call Utilization Review for authorization or for questions about outside provider billing at:

Santa Barbara 681-5390
Santa Maria 346-7235
Lompoc 681-5390

The MIA Program is under the direction of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and is part of the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.