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Health Insurance After Graduation
Contents:
Introduction
Selecting a Plan
Contact Information
Definition of terms used (HMO, PPO, etc.)
| Introduction |
If you are a SHIP member who will be graduating or otherwise
leaving the University, it is important to plan ahead for continuing
health coverage.
If your final semester is a spring semester, your last day of
SHIP coverage is August 14. If your final semester is a
fall semester, your last day of SHIP coverage is January 14.
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| Selecting
a Plan |
There are a variety of plans available once your SHIP coverage
expires. Plan types include short term coverage, individual plans
with low deductibles or co-payments, conversion plans for persons
with ongoing medical conditions, and state-subsidized coverage.
Click
here to view a comparison of several selected plans.
The above comparison summarizes the premiums, deductibles, and
comparable benefits for several different types of plans. For
more complete plan details, or for information about other plans,
you may contact a broker or the insurer directly.
If you would like to speak with someone at the Student Health
Insurance Office for more information, please call (510) 642-5700
to schedule an appointment. The Student Health Insurance Office
is located on the third floor of the Tang Center. We are happy
to work with you to help you fully understand your options.
NOTE: We recommend you call us or stop by the office to obtain
a Certificate of Group Health Plan Coverage as proof of your continuous
insurance coverage prior to your departure from Berkeley. This
may help you to avoid being subject to pre-existing condition
exclusions when you sign up for a new health insurance plan.
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| Contact Information |
Brokers:
- Saylor and Hill Co.
Saylor and Hill Co. is a licensed broker for Blue Cross, Blue
Shield, Health Net and Kaiser Permanente. Their agents can provide
assistance when you are selecting and applying to a plan. There
is no fee for using their services. Visit www.saylorhill.com/individual_health.html
or call (510) 273-8888.
- E-Health Insurance
E-Health Insurance is an online broker that allows you to get
quotes, compare plans, and apply for health insurance online.
Visit www.ehealthinsurance.com
or call (800) 977-8860.
Insurance plans included in summary table above:
Some plan brochures are available at the Student Health
Insurance Office.
- Blue Cross of California
Visit www.bluecrossca.com.
Students who were on SHIP at the time of graduation are eligible
to purchase one of two Blue Cross conversion plans (for students
with pre-existing conditions). Blue Cross also offers a short-term
plan and PPO and HMO plans for individuals. Some include dental
and vision coverage. For PPO Share 500 and conversion plans,
call (800) 777-6000. For "Tonik" plans, call (866)
333-4820. Tonik also has its own website at www.tonikhealth.com.
You can pick up Tonik, Short Term PPO, or conversion plan brochures
from the Student Health Insurance Office.
- Blue Shield of California
Visit www.blueshieldca.com
or call (800) 660-3007. Blue Shield offers PPO and HMO plans
for individuals. Some include optional dental and vision coverage.
- Kaiser Permanente
Visit www.kaiserpermanente.org/individuals
or call (800) 232-5100. Kaiser offers both deductible and copayment
HMO plans for individuals. An optional Dental Assistance Plan
is also available.
- Medi-Cal
To find out more about eligibility for state-sponsored programs,
visit http://www.dhs.ca.gov/mcs/
or call (800) 430-4263 (Health Care Options). You can also visit
the Alameda County Social Services Agency at http://www.alamedasocialservices.org/public/services/medical_care/
or call (510) 639-1090 to find out about county health services
and community health care organizations.
- MRMIP
The Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP) provides health
insurance for Californians unable to obtain coverage in the
individual health insurance market because of their pre-existing
conditions. Visit the California Managed Risk Medical Insurance
Board at www.mrmib.ca.gov and
click on the MRMIP logo or call (800) 289-6574.
Other plans:
- Aetna
Aetna offers a range of plans for individuals and families.
Visit www.aetna.com or call
(800) 694-3258.
- Health Net
Health Net offers individual and family plans including a short-term
coverage plan (up to 6 months) called Quick Net. Visit www.healthnet.com
or call (800) 522-0088.
- Pacificare
Pacificare (a UnitedHealthcare company) offers PPO and HMO plans
for individuals. Visit www.pacificare.com
or call the Individual Sales office at (800) 577-0001.
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| Definitions |
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| HMO |
Health Maintenance Organization
A pre-paid health plan in which you must choose a primary care physician
who coordinates all your care. |
| PPO |
Preferred Provider Organization
A group of medical providers who contract with an insurance carrier
to provide the insured with reduced rates. |
| Deductible |
The amount of money you need to pay out of pocket before the insurance
carrier will pay for medical services. |
| Coinsurance |
Percentage of fees for services you must pay, in addition to
what the plan pays. |
| Co-pay |
The amount of money you need to pay out-of- pocket for services
in addition to insurance carrier payment. |
| Inpatient |
Services rendered in a hospital after you are admitted, typically
involving an overnight stay. |
| Premium |
The rate you pay to be enrolled in an insurance plan,
usually monthly. |
| Preferred, Participating or In-Network Providers |
Providers that accept a negotiated or contracted
rate as full payment for services. |
Also see: UHS Eligibility
Schedule (Time limits on when students can use UHS)
Back to SHIP home page>
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Contact Info
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