Best Health Insurance Agencies in Berkeley, CA

Berkeley, CA Health Insurance FAQs

• What is the health insurance provided to Berkeley university students?

  The Student Health Insurance Plan provides medical coverage to undergraduate and graduate students in Berkeley. They may also include their qualifying family members in the policy. The plan pays for urgent care, preventive care services, behavioral therapy, pharmaceutical medications, as well as dental and vision benefits. Since all students are mandated to have health insurance, participation in SHIP is automatic.

• Can you use SHIP to obtain medical care outside the University Health Services Tang Center in Berkeley?

  Yes. You may use the Student Health Insurance Plan to obtain medical care outside the University Health Services Tang Center in Berkeley. There is currently no requirement to acquire referrals from UHS before visiting off-campus medical facilities. In most cases, healthcare providers do not require any documentation. However, if additional proof is necessary, the UHS letter may be utilized. It is recommended to maximize SHIP benefits by visiting an in-network provider.

• How can you get medical care in Berkeley immediately if you do not have a health insurance ID card yet?

  In an emergency, you can go to a Berkeley hospital without worrying about your insurance. Hospitals are required by law to treat anyone who needs urgent care. If you must visit a healthcare provider before receiving your health insurance ID card, contact their office and inform them of your situation. They may directly submit the claim to your insurer or allow you to follow up with them once you have your ID card. Another option is to pay for the service out-of-pocket and request reimbursement from your carrier. If you cannot afford to do so, check with your insurer for a temporary ID card.

• Is it possible to have employer-based health insurance and Medicare in Berkeley simultaneously?

  Berkeley residents are allowed to possess Medicare and employer-based health insurance. It will be specified in the two policies that the primary payer will initially cover the expenses, while the secondary payer will pay the remaining balance. For companies with less than 20 employees, Medicare will be billed first. If the employer has more than 20 workers, the employer-based coverage will pay the medical bills incurred by policyholders aged 65 or older.

• Can your estate be affected by your health insurance in Berkeley?

  Yes. Under the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program, the state will be allowed to file a claim against Medicaid recipients following their passing to recoup the amount expended during their lifetime in Berkeley. This claim is filed during the probate of the estate. If the insured has no assets, the state authorities cannot go after the beneficiary's live relatives for repayment.