Patient Resources
Patient Resources: Insurance, Rehabilitation & Support
Finding the right care and understanding your options can be challenging. We’ve gathered resources to help patients and families navigate health insurance, explore financial assistance, and connect with organizations that offer additional support.
Whether you’re beginning rehabilitation, managing ongoing care, or helping a loved one, these resources can help you find useful information and take the next step.
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Showing 34 of 34 resources
Insurance & Coverage
Understanding your health insurance can help you prepare for care and avoid unexpected expenses. Explore official resources to learn about coverage, referrals, prior authorization, and common insurance terms.
Insurance & Coverage
Medicare.gov (opens in a new tab)
The official U.S. government site for Medicare. It explains what Medicare covers, how enrollment works, and what you may pay.
For: People with Medicare and people nearing eligibility
Insurance & Coverage
Medicare: Physical Therapy Coverage (opens in a new tab)
Medicare's own page on outpatient physical therapy under Part B, including the conditions for coverage and typical costs.
For: People with Medicare who have been referred to physical therapy
Insurance & Coverage
Medi-Cal: Information for Members (opens in a new tab)
Member information from the California Department of Health Care Services, the state agency that runs Medi-Cal.
For: Medi-Cal members and their families
Insurance & Coverage
Covered California (opens in a new tab)
California's official health insurance marketplace, where individuals and families can compare plans and enroll in coverage.
For: Californians shopping for individual or family coverage
Insurance & Coverage
HealthCare.gov (opens in a new tab)
The federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Its plain-language pages explain common insurance terms. California residents enroll through Covered California.
For: Anyone learning how health insurance works
Insurance & Coverage
California HICAP Medicare Counseling (opens in a new tab)
The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, offered through the California Department of Aging, provides Medicare counseling to Californians.
For: Californians with Medicare, and their families and caregivers
Find Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company is the most reliable source for what your own plan covers. These are the official websites of several insurers that offer plans in California. The member services number on your insurance card is another good place to start.
- Anthem Blue Cross official website (opens in a new tab)
- Blue Shield of California official website (opens in a new tab)
- UnitedHealthcare official website (opens in a new tab)
- Aetna official website (opens in a new tab)
- Cigna Healthcare official website (opens in a new tab)
- Health Net official website (opens in a new tab)
- Kaiser Permanente official website (opens in a new tab)
These links are listed for convenience only. A listing here does not mean Flexion Foundation or any Foundation program accepts, contracts with, or endorses these plans.
Financial Assistance
The cost of healthcare can be a concern for individuals and families. These organizations provide information about health coverage, public benefits, and community assistance programs.
Financial Assistance
Covered California: Financial Help (opens in a new tab)
Explains what financial help is, who may qualify, and how it can lower the monthly cost of a health plan bought through Covered California.
For: Californians who buy their own health coverage
Financial Assistance
BenefitsCal (opens in a new tab)
California's online portal for applying for and managing public benefits, including Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs.
For: California residents applying for or renewing public benefits
Financial Assistance
211 (opens in a new tab)
A free, confidential service that connects callers with local help, such as food, housing, utility assistance, and health services. Call 211 or search online.
For: Anyone looking for local community services
Financial Assistance
California Department of Health Care Services (opens in a new tab)
The state department that administers Medi-Cal. Its site covers eligibility, how to apply, and the other health care programs it oversees.
For: California residents exploring Medi-Cal and state health programs
Rehabilitation & Recovery
Rehabilitation can be an important part of recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery, as well as managing certain ongoing conditions. These educational resources can help patients learn about rehabilitation and prepare questions for their healthcare providers.
Rehabilitation & Recovery
MedlinePlus: Rehabilitation (opens in a new tab)
An overview from the National Library of Medicine of what rehabilitation is, who may need it, and the kinds of care it can include, such as physical therapy.
For: Patients and families starting rehabilitation
Rehabilitation & Recovery
MedlinePlus: After Surgery (opens in a new tab)
Patient information on recovering after an operation, including caring for incisions and managing pain.
For: People preparing for or recovering from surgery
Rehabilitation & Recovery
National Institute on Aging: Falls and Falls Prevention (opens in a new tab)
Articles for older adults and families on why falls happen, how to lower the risk, and how to make a home safer.
For: Older adults and the people who care for them
Rehabilitation & Recovery
CDC: Older Adult Fall Prevention (opens in a new tab)
Facts about falls among older adults and steps that can help prevent them, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For: Older adults, families, and caregivers
Rehabilitation & Recovery
National Institute on Aging: Exercise and Physical Activity (opens in a new tab)
Guidance on staying active as you age, including types of exercise and how to get started safely.
For: Older adults who want to stay active
Rehabilitation & Recovery
MedlinePlus: Mobility Aids (opens in a new tab)
Information about canes, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, and other aids that help with walking and moving.
For: People who use or are considering a mobility aid
Rehabilitation & Recovery
MedlinePlus: Assistive Devices (opens in a new tab)
Explains what assistive devices are and how they can help with daily activities after an injury or with a disability.
For: People living with an injury or disability, and their caregivers
Caregiver & Family Support
Family members and caregivers often help coordinate appointments, transportation, daily activities, and ongoing care. These resources offer information and support for people assisting loved ones.
Caregiver & Family Support
Family Caregiver Alliance (opens in a new tab)
A nonprofit that offers information, education, and support for family members and friends caring for adults with chronic or disabling health conditions.
For: Family caregivers
Caregiver & Family Support
California Department of Aging (opens in a new tab)
The state department that administers programs for older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers. Its site can point you to services in your county.
For: Older Californians, adults with disabilities, and caregivers
Caregiver & Family Support
211 (opens in a new tab)
A free, confidential service that connects callers with local help, such as food, housing, utility assistance, and health services. Call 211 or search online.
For: Anyone looking for local community services
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Patient Rights & Insurance Appeals
If your insurance denies coverage or you have concerns about accessing care, you may have options to request a review or seek assistance.
A good first step is to contact your health plan. You can ask why a claim or service was denied and how the plan's appeal process works. The organizations below explain what options may be available after that. Which state agency to contact depends on which one regulates your plan.
Patient Rights & Insurance Appeals
California Department of Managed Health Care (opens in a new tab)
The state agency that regulates health care service plans in California, including most HMOs. Its Help Center assists members who have a problem with their health plan.
For: Members of health plans regulated by the DMHC
Patient Rights & Insurance Appeals
DMHC: File a Complaint (opens in a new tab)
How to file a complaint about a health plan with the DMHC or apply for an Independent Medical Review of a denied, delayed, or modified service.
For: Health plan members with an unresolved problem or denial
Patient Rights & Insurance Appeals
California Department of Insurance (opens in a new tab)
The state agency that regulates insurance companies in California. Consumers can get information and file a complaint about a health insurance policy it oversees.
For: People whose health insurance policy is regulated by the Department of Insurance
Patient Rights & Insurance Appeals
Disability Rights California (opens in a new tab)
A nonprofit agency that protects and advocates for the rights of Californians with disabilities. It publishes self-help materials on health care and benefits.
For: Californians with disabilities and their families
Health Education
Reliable health information can help you better understand conditions, treatments, and questions to discuss with your healthcare team.
Health Education
MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)
Health information for patients and families from the National Library of Medicine, covering conditions, tests, medicines, and wellness topics.
For: Patients and families looking up a health topic
Health Education
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (opens in a new tab)
The national public health agency. Its site covers disease prevention, healthy living, and safety topics.
For: General public
Health Education
National Institutes of Health: Health Information (opens in a new tab)
A starting point for health topics and research-based information from the federal medical research agency and its institutes.
For: General public
Health Education
National Institute on Aging: Health Topics A to Z (opens in a new tab)
An alphabetical list of healthy aging topics for older adults, families, and caregivers.
For: Older adults, families, and caregivers
Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to common questions about paying for physical therapy. Your own plan’s rules are what count, so confirm the details with your insurer.
Does health insurance cover physical therapy?
Many health insurance plans provide coverage for medically necessary physical therapy. Coverage depends on the plan, the services provided, and any applicable requirements. Contact your insurance company to confirm your benefits before receiving care.
Does Medicare cover physical therapy?
Original Medicare Part B covers medically necessary outpatient physical therapy when applicable requirements are met. Deductibles and coinsurance may apply. Medicare Advantage plans may have different network and authorization requirements. Visit Medicare.gov for current information.
How many physical therapy visits will insurance cover?
Coverage varies by plan. Some plans have visit limits or authorization requirements, while others base continued coverage on medical necessity. Contact your insurer to understand your specific benefits.
What if my insurance denies physical therapy?
Review the denial notice and contact your health plan to understand the reason. You may have the right to appeal. California residents can also contact the Department of Managed Health Care or Department of Insurance, depending on which agency regulates their plan.
What is the difference between a copay and a deductible?
A copay is generally a fixed amount you pay for a covered service. A deductible is the amount you pay for certain covered services before your plan begins paying according to its terms.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy?
Referral and authorization requirements depend on your health plan and circumstances. Contact your insurer and the treating provider to confirm what is required.
Where can I find help paying for healthcare?
Covered California, Medi-Cal, and community assistance organizations may offer resources depending on your eligibility and circumstances.
Can I receive physical therapy if I do not have insurance?
Some providers offer self-pay services or financial assistance. Contact providers directly to ask about payment options and available programs.
About these resources
These resources are provided for general informational purposes. Flexion Foundation does not guarantee the accuracy, availability, eligibility requirements, or services of third-party organizations. Insurance benefits and coverage requirements vary. Contact your insurance provider or the organization directly for current information. This page is not a substitute for medical, insurance, or legal advice.
Questions about Flexion Foundation programs?
The Foundation funds and coordinates programs. Services are delivered in California through Foundation programs by licensed partners.

