County Medical Services

A program that funds medical care for uninsured indigent adult county residents. While not a health insurance program, CMS funds services through a network of community health centers, private physicians and hospitals.

County Medical Services information:

• How to apply
• CMS Brochures
• CMS Handbooks
• CMS Minimum Eligibility Criteria
• CMS Frequently Asked Questions
• CMS Medical Policies
• CMS Drug Formulary Listings
• Specialty Referral Guidelines
• LIHP Medical Policies
• LIHP Formulary
• LIHP Provider Handbook
• LIHP Provider FAQ
• LIHP-CMS Pharmacy Listings

Forms offered by County Medical Services:

• Drug Prior Authorization Request form
• Formulary Change Request form
• CMS Work History form
• Dental Work History form

  CMS Brochures

Provides basic County Medical Services application information.

View the County Medical Services Brochure:

• English Brochure
• Spanish Brochure

  CMS Handbooks

The following handbooks provide information about County Medical Services.

• Patient Handbook - Provides County Medical Services (CMS) information on how to receive medical services for CMS patients.
• Patient Handbook (Spanish) - Provides patients with information in Spanish about County Medical Services (CMS)
• Ancillary Handbook - Describes basic County Medical Services eligibility criteria and covered ancillary services and supplies.
• Physician's Handbook - Provides County Medical Services (CMS) Program information to CMS Physicians.
• Primary Care Handbook - Provides County Medical Services (CMS) Program information to community clinics.
• Hospital Handbook - Provides County Medical Services (CMS) Program information to CMS hospitals.
• Physician Emergency Services Fund Handbook - Information on the distribution of the Maddy Emergency Medical Services Funds, CHIP-Emergency Medical Services Appropriation (EMSA) funds and CHIP-Physician (PES) funds.

  CMS Minimum Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to County Medical Services (CMS) a person must meet the minimum eligibility criteria.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

• Have a immediate or long-term medical need
• Be 21 through 64 years of age
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible alien, and be able to provide documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal alien status.
• Be a resident of San Diego County
• Sign lien forms for services covered by CMS
• Meet CMS financial requirements or receive General Relief
• Click here for CMS income limits

 How to apply:

• Call 1-800-587-8118 to request an appointment and apply for CMS.
• Appointment locations are listed in the Patient Handbook.

For more information go to Frequently Asked Questions.