Health Insurance FAQ
- When will I receive my health insurance ID card?
- What if I need health care before I receive my ID card?
- What will my treatment costs be?
- Are routine checkups covered?
- Are alternative therapies covered?
- Are preexisting conditions covered?
- Are dental and optometry services covered?
- Are prescription drugs covered?
- Where is the closest hospital?
- Whom can I contact for medical advice?
- Am I covered if I travel abroad?
- How does the insurance company pay for services?
- Can I still get coverage even though I am a part-time student?
- Can I add dependents to my coverage?
- What if I never receive my card?
- What if I move?
- Who at CCA can help me with insurance-related questions?
When will I receive my health insurance ID card?
Health insurance cards are mailed directly from Anthem Blue Cross after the end of CCA's add/drop period. In the fall semester, expect to receive your insurance card in early October. In the spring semester, expect to receive your card in mid-February.
Note: no new ID cards are sent for renewed coverage in subsequent semesters.
What if I need health care before I receive my ID card?
You may contact a Wells Fargo insurance representative at 800.853.5899 to obtain your student insurance ID number prior to receiving your medical ID card. Present this number to your doctor or hospital and they will be able to verify your eligibility.
You may request a temporary ID card from the Student Affairs Office or by logging into your account. Visit the Wells Fargo of California Insurance Services website.
What will my treatment costs be?
Coverage depends on what your doctor charges compared to the average rates for the same service in the area.
Your annual deductible is $75 per person.
Most services are covered up to 80 percent for PPO providers and up to 50 percent for non-PPO providers. Limitations do apply, so refer to a Schedule of Benefits, located in the plan brochure, for a detailed list of coverage.
Emergency room visits are subject to a $150 deductible. This is waived if admitted. The Schedule of Benefits is outlined on pages 6–7 of your brochure. Review the policy Exclusions and Limitations and Pre-existing Condition Exclusion on pages 8–9 for additional information.
Are routine checkups covered?
Yes. Routine physical exams, immunizations, diagnostic X-rays, and laboratory services for routine physical examinations are covered up to $250 per policy year.
Are alternative therapies covered?
Yes. Treatment by a licensed therapist is covered (including chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy, psychological counseling, and so on). Some nervous and mental conditions may have benefits as well. Please refer to the Schedule of Benefits for limits.
Are preexisting conditions covered?
Preexisting conditions are not covered during the first six months of your insurance. Preexisting conditions are defined as an injury or sickness that has received documented medical treatment or advice within the last six months prior to coverage.
If a member was covered under creditable coverage, as outlined in the brochure, the time spent under the creditable coverage will be used to satisfy, or partially satisfy, the six-month period.
Are dental and optometry services covered?
No dental, unless treatment is needed for an injury such as one that can occur from an accident. Refer to the Schedule for limits.
No vision services, except as a result of eye surgery. Refer to the Schedule for limits.
However, students are eligible for discounted programs through Wells Fargo Insurance Services. Learn more by visiting its website, or call 800.853.5899.
Are prescription drugs covered?
Yes. You may obtain prescription medications from a physician or pharmacist in a 30-day supply, and will be responsible for a copay of $10 for generic drugs, $25 for brand-name formulary drugs, and $40 for brand-name nonformulary drugs.
If you have a long-term prescription, use Anthem the Blue Cross mail service: 90-day supply for a copay of $20 for generic drugs, $50 for brand-name formulary drugs, and $80 for brand-name nonformulary drugs
For more information, visit the website or call Anthem Blue Cross Pharmacy Customer Service at 800.700.2541.
Where is the closest hospital?
If you have an emergency and need to go to a hospital, you should go to the one closest to you. The closest contracted hospitals to the Oakland campus are Alta Bates Summit and Children's Hospital Oakland. The closest contracted hospitals to the San Francisco campus are St Francis Memorial Hospital and St Luke's Hospital. Ambulance services are only covered when being transported to the nearest hospital.
In order to be prepared for an emergency, it is recommended that you carry your Student Insurance ID card with you at all times.
Whom may I contact for medical advice?
Anyone enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan may contact the 24-hour nurse advice line at 800.977.0027 for free confidential medical advice.
Am I covered if I travel abroad?
Yes, the insurance covers you anywhere in the world. If traveling more than 100 miles away from home or campus, contact Scholastic Emergency Services, Inc at 800.872.1414 (within the United States) or 609.986.1234 (outside the United States) and advise them of your intended travel. Their staff will assist you in finding the closest facility.
You may be required to pay for services yourself at the time of treatment and submit a claim form to the insurance company upon your return. Claim forms can be obtained by visiting the Anthem Blue Cross website (see above).
How does the insurance company pay for services?
The doctor's office will collect information from your insurance card, and if you use a participating PPO provider, they will most likely submit the bill to Anthem Blue Cross directly for services provided, then you will be billed for any deductible or copays for which you are responsible. Most doctors do this.
If using a nonparticipating doctor and you pay at time of the visit, it is your responsibility to file the claim with Anthem Blue Cross in order to receive reimbursement. This is done by submitting a fully itemized bill along with your student Identification number and birth date to the Anthem Blue Corss Life & Health Insurance Co. address indicated on the back of your insurance card.
Can I still get coverage even though I am a part-time student?
Part-time students (less than 12 units; less than 9 units for Visual and Critical Studies students) are not eligible for this plan but may elect to enroll in insurance coverage available through other individual products. For more information, contact Wells Fargo Insurance Services at 800.853.5899.
Can I add dependents to my coverage?
Yes. Eligible spouses/partners and unmarried children under 19 years old (25 if full-time student) may be enrolled during the same period as the student. Students must re-enroll their dependents each semester. See enrollment sheet for applicable fees.
What if I never receive my card?
Contact Wells Fargo Insurance Services at 800.853.5899.
What if I move?
You may change your address online, directly through Wells Fargo of California Insurance Services.
Who at CCA can help me with insurance-related questions?
Wells Fargo Insurance Services and Anthem Blue Cross are best able to serve your insurance needs. However, you also are welcome to contact the Student Affairs Office at 415.703.9571 or 510.594.3666.