September 05, 2008
As of Fall Semester 2008, CIIS has a new Student Injury and Sickness Insurance plan offered through a new insurance company, UnitedHealthcare Student Resources (UHCSR). This document is meant to offer a basic introduction to the plan based on questions that have been frequently asked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new health insurance provider?
The UnitedHealthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) underwrites the new 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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When does enrollment for health insurance start?
Enrollment begins on August 14, 2008, and will continue to remain open for the rest of the term. Note that there is no longer an effective close to the enrollment period. However, rates are not prorated (i.e., you will be paying the same amount you would have paid on August 14 even if you decided to purchase the insurance on November 1, 2008).
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What period of time am I covered for? Is it year-round or only during the school year? Will I be covered for the summer if I don't take summer classes?
You have two options for enrollment:
- You may opt to obtain insurance for the whole year. For either arrangement, 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 the year will end on August 13, 2009;
- You may enroll per semester. If you choose to purchase insurance for Fall semester only, your coverage will end on January 27, 2009. Spring/Summer semester coverage will end August 13, 2009.
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Will it cover my spouse/domestic partner and/or dependent(s)?
Yes, you may choose to obtain coverage for your spouse (including registered domestic partners) and/or dependent(s).
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How much does it cost?
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 Student Resources 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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How do I know if I'm eligible?
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.
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I am an international student. Am I eligible for this plan?
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 required to enroll in a 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 goes through Jody O'Connor, the International Student Advisor (joconnor@ciis.edu), and is required by: September 12, 2008 (for annual enrollment of fall only) and by February 10, 2009 (for spring/summer enrollment only).”
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How do I enroll in the new plan?
- International Students with F1 visas cannot enroll online. Enrollment should be channeled through Jody O'Connor , the International Student Advisor ( joconnor@ciis.edu ). Please print out an enrollment form from the UHCSR website .
- All other students may
i. Pay by credit card: online through the UHCSR website.
ii. Pay by credit card: fax enrollment forms to (469) 229-5612.
iii. Pay by check: mail forms to
UnitedHealthcare Student Resources
PO Box 809026
Dallas , TX 75380-9026
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What are some of the benefits of the new plan?
• 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.
• 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.
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Is psychotherapy covered?
Yes, it is. Benefits cover a maximum of $100 per visit, for a maximum of 50 visits per policy year. Please see the specifics of this benefit on the policy available on the UCHSR website.
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Does it cover dental insurance? Vision?
No, it does not cover dental and vision insurance. However, all enrollees in the UHCSR plan are eligible for a discount program through UnitedHealthcare Student Resources 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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Am I required to have health insurance?
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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Why is it so inexpensive compare to other plans?
There are a couple of factors that dictated the price. First and foremost is that we are obtaining a group rate as one collective entity (CIIS students). Secondly, 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 Bldg.) and comparing it with other available plans in the market, and purchasing health insurance that best meets your needs.
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Are there different tiers or plans with UHCSR?
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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Do I have other options for health insurance?
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. There are also some non-CIIS-affiliated supplemental or alternative health plans available in the Dean of Students Office in Room 401 at the main Mission campus.
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Where can I obtain more information on the plan?
Information about the plan may be found online through the UHCSR website ( www.uhcsr.com ), and through www.ciis.edu/students/healthinsurance.html .
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Who do I contact if I have questions regarding the UnitedHealthcare StudentResources health insurance plan?
For specific, plan-related questions, claims or billing inquiries , contact UnitedHealthcare Student Resources directly at (800) 767-0700 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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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 Student Resources (UHCSR), which will be available starting in the Fall Semester of 2008.
This new CIIS-endorsed plan is comparable in coverage and price to both the current domestic and international plans (Renaissance and SUSA respectively) but offers several enhancements that we feel make this plan more 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.
Please note that Renaissance and SUSA will no longer be CIIS-endorsed plans and all students are advised to maintain their current health insurance plan until the new plan is in effect. Students enrolled currently in a CIIS 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.
Students with a provider who is not in UHCSR's network may refer their provider to the network with this form: Provider Nomination Process (PDF). Students are advised to refer their provider as soon as possible, so as to ensure that their provider will be on the network by the time that they enroll in the new plan.
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:
Additional Counseling Centers:
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