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 this semester, or if you are losing SHIP eligibility because you are no longer a registered student at UC Berkeley, 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.
Selecting a Plan	A variety of plans are available to you once your SHIP coverage expires. Plan types include short term coverage, individual plans with low deductibles or co-payments, a conversion plan for persons with ongoing medical conditions, and public health insurance programs. Click here to view a comparison of several selected plans. This comparison chart summarizes the comparable premiums, deductibles, and benefits for a variety of plans. For more complete plan details, or for information about other plans, you may contact a broker or the insurer directly. The major carriers in California - such as Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Kaiser, and Health Net - have more plans available, with different combinations of premiums, deductibles and benefits, than we have room to include here. 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. This may help you to avoid being subject to pre-existing condition exclusions when you sign up for a new health insurance plan. Plan brochures and/or enrollment packets are available in the Student Health Insurance Office for these companies: Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente and Health Net.
Contact Information	Brokers: Saylor and Hill Co. Saylor and Hill Co., which is the broker for SHIP, can provide assistance with selecting and applying for a plan. There is no fee for their service. Visit http://www.saylorhill.com/individual_health.html or call (510) 273-8888. E-Health Insurance E-Health Insurance is a licensed online broker that allows you to get quotes, compare plans, and apply for health insurance online. Visit http://www.ehealthinsurance.com or call (800) 977-8860. Marsh Affinity Group Services Marsh Affinity Group Services is the broker for Blue Shield plans offered through the California Alumni Association to UC Berkeley alumni, including new graduates. Rates are slightly discounted and new graduates may be eligible for a "guaranteed issue" plan. Visit http://alumni.berkeley.edu/Discounts_and_Services/main.asp and click on "Finance and Insurance," or call (877) 249-7868. For more information about the insurance plans included in this chart: PPO and HMO insurance plans: Anthem Blue Cross PPO, HMO and Short-Term plans (800) 777-6000 http://www.anthem.com/ca "Tonik" plans (866) 333-4820 http://www.tonikhealth.com/ca Blue Shield of California (800) 660-3007 http://www.blueshieldca.com Kaiser Permanente Northern California Region (800) 232-5100 http://www.kp.org/applyonline/ncal Health Net (800) 909-3447 http://www.healthnet.com Public Health Insurance Programs Medi-Cal California Department of Health Care Services (800) 430-4263 (Health Care Options) http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/ Alameda County Social Services Department (510) 777-2300 (toll free (800) 698-1118) http://www.alamedasocialservices.org/public/services/medical_care/ Major Risk Medical Insurance Plan (800) 289-6574 http://www.mrmib.ca.gov/ Other Insurance Plans in California: Aetna Aetna offers "Aetna Advantage" high deductible PPO plans for individuals, with optional dental coverage. Visit http://www.aetna.com/members/individuals/health/plan_details/California/ or call (800) 694-3258. Pacificare Pacificare (a UnitedHealthcare company) offers PPO and HMO plans for individuals. Visit http://www.pacificare.com or call the Individual Sales office at (800) 577-0001.
Definitions
Co-pay	The amount of money you need to pay out-of-pocket for services in addition to insurance carrier payment.
Coinsurance	Percentage of fees for services you must pay, in addition to what the plan pays.
Deductible	The amount of money you need to pay out of pocket before the insurance carrier will pay for medical services.
Guaranteed Issue	A legal requirement that health plans must permit you to enroll regardless of your health status, age, gender, or other factors that might predict your use of health services. This means that you cannot be denied insurance because of your medical history.
HMO	Health Maintenance Organization. A pre-paid health plan in which you must choose a primary care physician who coordinates all your care.
Inpatient	Services rendered in a hospital after you are admitted, typically involving an overnight stay.
Limited Benefit PPO	Some PPO plans have lower premiums because certain benefits are not included, such as maternity or full prescription drug plans.
PPO	Preferred Provider Plan. A group of medical providers who contract with an insurance carrier to provide the insured with reduced rates.
Preferred, Participating or In-Network Providers	Providers that accept a negotiated or contracted rate from the insurance plan as full payment.
Premium	The rate you pay to be enrolled in an insurance plan, usually monthly.

Also see: UHS Eligibility Schedule (Time limits on when students can use UHS)

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