The Foundation for Health Coverage Education (FHCE) has launched a new Internet resource center that provides eligiblity and other information on more than 144 government-sponsored programs designed to help people who lack health insurance, PNN Online reported Jan. 18.

The Coverage for All website and the group's U.S. Uninsured Help Line (800-234-1317) helps individuals navigate local bureaucracy to get the services they are entitled to under the law. The site provides online access to applications for every state Medicaid, Medicare, and VA health program in the U.S.

"In Los Angeles County, for example, it usually requires two scheduled appointments at a social-services agency and the time and ability of an applicant to answer a 100-question document as a first step to getting enrolled in California's Medi-Cal program," said Phil Lebherz, founder and executive director of FHCE. "This arduous process in addition to possible transportation issues and literacy challenges keep thousands of people from enrolling."

The site also features an online, five-question eligibility quiz.