Affordable Care Act

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare, is a law that puts in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that will be implemented in stages over a multi-year period.

In California, Covered California is the marketplace for health insurance as well as the primary source of information about how the ACA is implemented for California residents and businesses.  For broader information about the ACA or information for states other than California, the official websites for the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace (enrollment ends January 15 each year) are also available now.

Covered California EN ESPAÑOL

Sources of healthcare coverage

Medicare

Are you turning 65 and need to enroll in Medicare? Are you a Medicare member with questions about Medicare? Visit https://www.medicare.gov/ for information about how to enroll and important dates to know.

Ventura County Healthcare

For Ventura County residents – get information about the latest health news, connection to health services, help to pay for care, and locations of clinics, see https://vchca.org/

California Mental Health Services Authority

Provides information for accessing assistance programs for mental health programs, early intervention, and suicide prevention.

Social Security Express

To apply for benefits, get your Social Security Statement, request a replacement Medicare card, learn what to do if your Social Security Card is missing, get a 1099/1042 tax form, change your address for SSA and more.

(Library card is required to access the databases outside the library.)

Web Resources

Quackwatch
This non-profit organization combats health-related frauds, myths, fads, and fallacies. Original research with qualifications of writers given. Defines quackery; presents information on questionable products and services.

My Healthfinder
This resource can help you to find reliable information related to your age and/or condition.

KidsHealth
For Childhood infectious diseases, children's health for parents, children and professionals.

TeensHealth
For teens looking for honest, accurate information and advice about health, relationships, and growing up.

NIH Senior Health
National Institute on Aging provides basic health and wellness information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health.

MEDLINEplus Health Information
A service of the National Library of Medicine. Provides health and drug information, directories for physicians, hospitals, etc.

National Institutes of Health
Contains A-Z index of NIH health resources, clinical trials, MedlinePlus, health hotlines, current medical news, Grants & Funding opportunities, research training & scientific resources, Institutes, and Centers & Offices. Includes link for information in Spanish.