Kapwa C.A.R.E.
We are excited to announce the relaunch of Kapwa C.A.R.E.!
Standing for “Collectively Aligning our Resilience and Empowerment,” Kapwa C.A.R.E. is rooted in the mission of Kapwa Kultural Center (KKC)—a space dedicated to nurturing wellness, connection, and empowerment in our Filipino/a/x community and the wider public. Through both in-person and online sessions, Kapwa C.A.R.E. invites leaders and experts to share skills, resources, and tools that promote resilience and collective care.
With recent immigration raids and detainments, we recognize the urgency to respond. In the face of political decisions that continue to stir fear and uncertainty, our goal is to provide reliable support, resources, and compassion to our community.
Kicking Off With “Know Your Rights”
June 27
In collaboration with Raising Ancestors, we launched the first of our five-part Instagram Live series, aimed at uplifting and informing our community.
Adrienne from Raising Ancestors and Steph from Kapwa Kultural Center hosted Camille Nguyen, a Senior Staff Attorney from the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County. Legal Aid SMC’s programs provide free legal support to help low-income households to obtain stable housing, healthcare, education, economic security, immigration status, protection from abuse, and family stability.
Missed the event? Watch the full video here.
Main Topics Discussed with Camille:
Current barriers to accessing healthcare:
Medi-Cal Cuts Expected: State and federal budget changes may reduce healthcare access, especially for immigrants and low-income residents.
Asset Limit Returning: May disqualify seniors and people with disabilities from Medi-Cal, starting around 2026–2027.
Coverage Denials & Share of Cost Issues: Many face high deductibles (e.g. $2,000/month) that prevent them from accessing services.
Legal Aid Offers Help With:
Medi-Cal eligibility and appeals.
Denials of medical services.
High out-of-pocket costs or confusing medical bills.
Frequently asked Immigration & Healthcare Questions:
Should I cancel my Medi-Cal or health insurance? Stay on Medi-Cal or whatever health insurance plan you have until you receive an official notice. Don’t cancel out of fear—call Legal Aid first.
What is “share of cost” under Medi-Cal, and what if I can’t afford it? Share of cost is like a monthly deductible required before Medi-Cal pays for services. Many people, especially seniors and disabled individuals, can’t afford it or never meet the monthly threshold. Legal Aid can help you with this.
Legal Aid Services that are available—regardless of immigration status:
Healthcare, housing, immigration, and domestic violence services are available to all San Mateo County residents.
No income restriction for healthcare-related legal services in San Mateo County.
Legal Aid staff speak multiple languages and use interpreters to increase access.
Helpful Resources & Where to Get Support
Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County
Website: LegalAidSMC.org
Phone: 650-558-0915
Address: 330 Twin Dolphin Drive, Suite 123, Redwood City, CA
If you're a community leader looking for education or training, contact Camille: cnywin@legalaidsmc.org
Additional Tools:
HealthConsumer.org – Find local legal aid by county
LawHelpCA.org – Search for legal help across California
Legal Aid at Work – Labor rights support
Bay Area Legal Aid – Housing and public benefits help in other Bay Area counties
Stay tuned for future episodes by following our Instagram @kapwakulturalcenter!