Bay Area · 9 counties · open to everyone
Free legal help & appeals
When a service is denied or a family runs into a legal problem at discharge — coverage, housing, conservatorship, disability rights — you have options, and help is free. You have the right to appeal a coverage decision, and these organizations can stand with you at no cost. This is information, not legal advice.
Appeal a coverage decision
HICAP — free Medicare counseling & appeals
- For what
- Free, unbiased one-on-one help understanding Medicare, comparing plans, and appealing a Medicare denial — from trained counselors, not a sales line.
- How to use it
- Call HICAP to set up free counseling, by phone or in person at a local office.
Checked 2026-06-09.
Appeal a Medi-Cal denial (State Hearing)
- For what
- If Medi-Cal or a Medi-Cal managed-care plan denies, reduces, or stops a service you think you need, you have the right to appeal — first with the plan, then through a free State Hearing.
- How to use it
- Read the denial notice for the deadline, then request a State Hearing online, by phone, or by mail. Free legal aid (below) can represent you at no cost.
Checked 2026-06-09.
Medicare appeals
- For what
- Your right to appeal when Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan won't cover a service, a hospital stay, or rehab — including fast appeals when you're told coverage is ending.
- How to use it
- Follow the appeal steps on Medicare.gov, or ask HICAP for free help. For an ending-coverage notice, you can request an immediate review.
Checked 2026-06-09.
Free legal help
Bay Area Legal Aid
- For what
- Free civil legal help across the Bay Area for low-income people — health-care access, public benefits, housing/eviction, and more. Not for criminal cases.
- How to use it
- Call the Legal Advice Line to get screened for help in your county and language.
Checked 2026-06-09.
Disability Rights California
- For what
- Free legal help and advocacy for people with disabilities — including denied services, discrimination, and rights in facilities and Regional Centers.
- How to use it
- Call the intake line or apply online for help with a disability-related legal problem.
Checked 2026-06-09.
LawHelpCA — find free legal aid
- For what
- A free directory to find the legal-aid organization near you for a specific problem — benefits, housing, conservatorship, immigration, elder issues, and more.
- How to use it
- Search by your county and topic at LawHelpCA.org.
Checked 2026-06-09.
Appeal deadlines are short — read any denial notice right away and ask for help fast. Legal aid is free for people who qualify; if one organization can't take your case, ask them who can, or search LawHelpCA. You can also call 211 for a referral.