A new system allows families to apply online for health care coverage in California’s Healthy Families and Medi-Cal programs.

It also offers preliminary screening for Medi-Cal eligibility. The Health-e-App consumer service can be accessed round-the-clock from any location with access to the Internet.

The system was developed by the California Health Care Foundation in 2001 and licensed to the state to help reduce the number of uninsured children in California. It’s been used statewide by workers trained to help people complete the application form. Now access has been expanded to the general public.

Public access began Monday (Dec. 20, 2010). In the first two days, about 100 Californians logged online to use the system. It can be accessed at healtheapp.net.

The initial program is in English. A Spanish version will launch in about 30 days.

Enrollment in the Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM) program will be added early [2011].