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Although health insurance in the U.S. can be costly and confusing, at CIIS we’ve tried to make it as easy and accessible as possible for our students. In the summer of 2008, we selected a new student injury and sickness insurance plan offered through UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (UHCSR), which has been made available as of fall semester 2008.
This new CIIS-endorsed sickness and injury plan offers several enhancements that we feel make this plan desirable to CIIS students. The administration of this new plan is almost completely online, including checking on claims, which will make it easier and more convenient for students and for CIIS staff representatives in the Dean of Students Office to assist you. Additionally, because of UHCSR’s co-payment system, students will not be required to send in paper claim forms unless they visit an out-of-network doctor.
UHCSR uses the United HealthCare provider network for healthcare and the United Behavior Health network for mental health providers. Information on these networks can be accessed through www.uhcsr.com.
We understand that each person’s health needs are different, and that this basic student health plan may not be suitable for some. Because of this, we highly recommend reading through the offered UHCSR policy (available on www.uhcsr.com, or in Room 401 at the Mission Building) and comparing it with other available plans in the market, and purchasing health insurance that best meets your specific needs.
This document is meant to offer a basic introduction to the plan based on questions that have been frequently asked.
(Last updated: January 09, 2009)
The UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (UHCSR) underwrites the CIIS-endorsed plan for which we strongly recommend all students to enroll. We are no longer endorsing the Renaissance and SUSA plans that we had in previous years.
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Enrollment for Spring/Summer 2009 is open. Coverage for Spring/Summer semester begins on January 20, 2009 and will last through August 13, 2009. Please note that there is no end date to the enrollment period. However, rates are not prorated (i.e., you will be paying the same amount you would have paid on January 20th even if you decide to purchase the insurance on March 1st).
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You have two options for enrollment:
1. You may opt to obtain insurance for the whole year. Coverage begins on the date that you enroll online or the date that your payment and enrollment is received by UHCSR if sent via post. International student coverage begins on the date that the International Student Advisor receives your enrollment form and payment. Coverage for school year 2008-2009 will end on August 13, 2009.
2. You may enroll per semester. If you chose to purchase insurance for Fall 2008 only, your coverage will end on January 19, 2009. Spring/Summer semester coverage will end August 13, 2009.
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Yes, you may choose to obtain coverage for your spouse (including registered domestic partners) and/or dependent(s).
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Fees vary for Domestic and International Students*. Annual rates are as follows:
|
Domestic |
International |
Student |
$1,068 |
$877 |
Spouse/Domestic Partner |
$2,656 |
$2,444 |
Each child |
$1,392 |
$1,370 |
If opting to obtain insurance per semester, rates are prorated. Please check with the UnitedHealthcare StudentResources website for the exact amount.
*Note: Domestic Student participation in this plan is strictly voluntary while International Student participation is based on a Hard Waiver plan, and therefore fees are variable.
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Eligibility for coverage is as follows:
All new and continuing degree-seeking CIIS students who are registered for classes, whether in part-time or full-time status. This includes distance-learning students within the United States. Note that students must maintain eligibility in each semester in order to be covered.
International students who maintain their student visa status during participation in post-graduation Optional Practical Training (OPT) are also eligible to enroll.
There are no tests or medical examinations needed for eligibility.
Return to top Yes, as an international student, you are eligible for the plan. We are no longer offering a separate plan for international students. Please remember that international students are required to enroll in the CIIS-endorsed plan unless they can show proof of comparable coverage in English. International students who maintain their student visa status while participating in post-graduation OPT are also eligible. Enrollment must be channeled through Jody O’Connor, the International Student Advisor.
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Since this is a student health plan and you have completed your degree and graduated, you are no longer eligible for coverage under this plan. We suggest looking for private health insurance, or health insurance plans covered by your employer if any.
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International Students with F1 visas cannot enroll online. Enrollment should be channeled through Jody O’Connor, the International Student Advisor (joconnor@ciis.edu or 415 575-6157). Please print out the mail-in enrollment form from the UHCSR website.
All other students may:
- Pay by credit card: online through the UHCSR website.
- Pay by credit card: fax enrollment forms to (469) 229-5612.
- Pay by check: mail forms to
UnitedHealthcare Student Resources
PO Box 809026
Dallas, TX 75380-9026
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- No deductible on physician and wellness visits.
- $15 co-pay for in-network office visits (+ 30% of usual and customary charges if out-of-network).
- $15 co-pay for men and women’s wellness visits up to $500/year (+ 30% of usual and customary charges if out of network).
- $15 – $30 co-pay for prescriptions. The plan covers a maximum prescription benefit of $700 per policy year. After reaching this limit, you will no longer be covered. However, you will be eligible to purchase prescriptions at a discounted rate. To see if certain prescriptions are covered, please check with UHCSR at (800) 767-0700.
- Because of the co-payment system, students are not required to send in paper claim forms unless they visit an out-of-network doctor.
- Students enrolled currently in a health insurance plan who are being treated and covered for an injury and illness will have continuous coverage for the same injury and/or illnesses when switching over to UHCSR.
- Access to UnitedHealth Allies, a discount program on a wide range of health-related products for enrolled members only.
- Participants can create your own online account to monitor claims and update personal contact information.
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Yes, psychotherapy for a valid DSM diagnosis is covered by the plan. However, personal psychotherapy that is obtained to fulfill educational requirements is not covered UNLESS there is an accompanying valid DSM diagnosis or psychiatric condition that you are being treated for.
Benefits cover a maximum of $100 per visit, for a maximum of 50 visits per policy year for both preferred provider and out-of-network providers. Insurance covers 90% of preferred provider fees, and 70% of usual & customary charges for out-of-network providers. For specifics of this policy benefit, and for a list of preferred mental health providers, you may go online to United Behavior Health through your account on the UCHSR website.
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No, it does not cover dental and vision insurance. However, all enrollees in the UHCSR plan are eligible for a discount program through UnitedHealthcare StudentResources called UnitedHealth Allies. UnitedHealth Allies provides a discount for dental and vision services, as well as other ancillary services for students. Information will be available on the UnitedHealth Allies website.
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Click the following links to search for in-network medical (UHCSR)and mental health (United Behavioral Health) providers.
PLEASE NOTE: CIIS does not endorse any particular physician or clinician contained in these lists, and is not affiliated with any health care provider. UHCSR and United Behavioral Health (UBH) maintain and update these lists separately. Just to be certain, please verify if the medical or mental health professional still takes UHCSR insurance before scheduling your initial appointment with a particular provider.
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A pre-existing condition, as defined in the UHCSR Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan booklet (2008), means “any condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment, including the use of Prescription Drugs is recommended or received from a Physician within 6 months immediately prior to the [student’s effective insurance purchase date]”.
A “pre-existing condition” clause is standard in most insurance plans, and is a reason for the insurer to deny a particular claim. This clause means that, if the insurer determines that you have had a pre-existing condition prior to your effective insurance purchase date that was not previously covered by any other insurance plan, your claim based on that condition will be denied until 6 months AFTER you purchase the insurance plan. You will, however, not be denied coverage for all other conditions or treatments that are not considered as “pre-existing”.
This means that:
If you had continuous six months of coverage for the condition through a previous insurance plan immediately prior to purchasing the student health plan, you will not be affected by this clause and your claim should go through.
If you did not have insurance coverage for the condition prior to your enrollment in the UHCSR plan and the condition that you are filing a claim for is determined to be pre-existing, your specific claim will be denied for six months after the effective insurance purchase date. Claims filed for treatment received after this six month waiting period should go through. Note however that you will not be reimbursed for treatment received within the six month window.
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If you are US citizen or permanent resident, you are not required to carry health insurance.
If you are an international student, you are required per CIIS policy to carry health insurance either through this plan, or provide proof of comparable health coverage in English.
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There are a couple of factors that dictated the lower price. First and foremost is that we are obtaining a group rate as one collective entity (CIIS students). Second, this is a basic student health plan that covers most students’ needs. CIIS negotiated the terms of the health insurance policy with UHCSR in good faith, with our students’ needs first and foremost in our mind, and we believe that this plan would be sufficient for most students. For those concerned about coverage, we highly recommend reading through the offered UHCSR policy (available on www.uhcsr.com, or in Room 401 at the Mission Building) and comparing it with other available plans in the market, and purchasing health insurance that best meets your needs.
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No, there is only one CIIS plan that can be purchased with UHCSR. There are no upgradable tiers with different benefits.
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Yes, you are not required to purchase this plan specifically. You may obtain insurance privately, or at your place of employment if you are eligible.
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Information about the plan may be found online through the UHCSR website, and through www.ciis.edu/students/healthinsurance.html. A hard copy is also available at the Dean of Students Office in Room 401 of the Mission Building.
UHCSR’s privacy policy can be found here.
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For specific, plan-related questions, claims or billing inquiries, contact UnitedHealthcare StudentResources directly at (800) 767-0700 (from 5AM to 5PM PT), or e-mail them at customerservice@uhcsr.com. Information about your policy may also be found online through your account at www.uhcsr.com.
For questions regarding enrollment into the health insurance plan, please e-mail CIIShealthinsurance@ciis.edu, and an employee at the Dean of Students Office will get back to you. Please note that the Dean of Students Office cannot provide specific information about your policy administration.
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Other Medical and Mental Health Resources: please click here to download a PDF with more information on mental health hotlines, hospitals, free clinics, etc.
Clinics and Services
Berkeley Free Clinic
2339 Durant St., Berkeley
(510)548-2570 or 800-6-CLINIC (625-4642)
Provides general medical support, peer counseling, a men’s STD clinic, and HIV testing. It is the only free clinic in the area that provides dental services.
www.berkeleyfreeclinic.org
Haight Ashbury Free Clinic
558 Clayton St., at Haight St.
(415) 487-5632
A free medical clinic open to the public. There is no charge for general services, but a small donation is the usual form of payment ($5-$20). The clinic is also an excellent source of information about medical facilities and professionals in the area and they will refer you to a doctor if they do not have the proper facilities to treat you. You must make an appointment. www.hafci.org
Quan Yin Healing Arts Center
455 Valencia St. (between 15th and 16th streets)
(415) 861-4964
Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic and community center. Offers sliding scales for a variety of treatments, ranging from stress to chronic illnesses, and a stop-smoking clinic. Appointments are recommended.
www.quanyinhealingarts.com
San Francisco Free Clinic
4900 California St.
(415) 750-9894.
Offers free primary care, preventative care and pediatrics and family-planning exclusively to the uninsured. By appointment only.
www.sffc.org
Tom Waddell Health Center
50 Ivy St. (at Polk)
(415) 554-2940
Part of SF General Hospital, offers general medical care and specialized services on a sliding scale. Services provided include HIV, transgender, and women’s clinics, and extensive counseling services.
The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center Emergency Room
505 Parnassus Ave.
(415) 353-1037
Offers urgent care on a sliding scale basis.
Dental Care
University of the Pacific School of Dentistry Clinic
2155 Webster St.
(415) 929-6501
Faculty members partner with students to provide low-cost dental care. http://dental.pacific.edu
Counseling
The Dean of Students Office maintains a listing of therapists in the Bay Area who offer their services to students at special rates. You are welcome to stop in at the Dean of Students Office, Room 401 in the Mission Street Building, to look at this reference material. You may also obtain low fee counseling services at the following places:
CIIS Counseling Centers:
CIIS Psychological Services Center
(415) 575-6200
Fox Plaza, 1390 Market Street, Suite 111
www.ciis.edu/counseling/psc
Center for Somatic Psychotherapy
(415) 558-0880
1119 Market Street, Suite 300
www.somaticpsychotherapycenter.org
Golden Gate Integral Counseling Center
(415) 561-0230)
507 Polk Street, Suite 450
www.goldengatecounseling.org
Integral Counseling Center, Church Street
(415) 648-2644
1782 Church Street
www.integralcounselingcenter.org
Integral Counseling Center, Pierce Stree
(415) 776-3109
2140 Pierce Street
www.integralcounseling.org
Additional Counseling Centers:
University of San Francisco (USF)
(415) 422-6352
Gillson Hall, lower level
2130 Fulton Street
www.usfca.edu/counseling_center
JFK University Center for Holistic Counseling
(510) 444-3344
2501 Harrison Street, Oakland
www.jfku.edu/counseling_centers/locations/oakland
New Leaf
(415) 626-7000
TDD: (415)252-8376
Fox Plaza, 103 Hayes Street (near Market)
www.newleafservices.org/index.htm
Access Institute
(415) 861-5449
110 Gough Street, Suite 301 (near Page)
www.accessinst.org
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