Insurance Help and Referrals

 

If you are a student currently enrolled at SDSU, a variety of services are available to you at Student Health Services.

Basic medical services are provided at Student Health Services (SHS) under the Health and Wellness Fee, paid with each semester's tuition. The Health and Wellness Fee is not a health insurance plan, but is a great supplement. If you need healthcare coverage in the San Diego area, you can submit a request via our website, to have someone assist you in obtaining health insurance/Medi-Cal. After submitting your request, our enrollment specialists will reach out to you within 2 to 3 business days.

Augmented Services (vaccinations, medications, and lab tests) and Specialty Care (orthopedic clinic) may have additional out-of-pocket charges. To make an appointment at SDSU Student Health Services or to understand out-of-pocket pricing for Specialty or Augmented Services, please call 619-594-4325.

Though Student Health Services is an excellent resource, it does not accept health insurance. You may have to use your health insurance to access off-campus services. To understand if your health insurance will cover you, or reimburse you for out-of-pocket charges, please contact your insurance company using the following steps:

 

Using Your Health Care Coverage Off-Campus

Step 1: Identify Your Health Insurance Plan

Locate the phone number for your health insurance as well as your member ID number. You can find this information on the back of your insurance card. Some insurance cards provide a website where you can create an account, look for healthcare providers, and find your specific healthcare costs and benefits.

Step 2: Contact Your Health Insurance Carrier

Call your health insurance company and ask the following questions:

• Where can I go to get  __________ services?
• How much will this service cost using my health insurance? Is there a co-pay or a deductible associated with my _______ services?
• What are my health insurance benefits? Will my insurance cover _______?
• Do I need to make an appointment to get these services?

Step 3: Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Once you have a specific healthcare provider/facility you would like to go to, call them and ask the following questions:

• Do you take ________ insurance? (Always check with the doctor or medical facility directly to confirm that they still accept your insurance before you receive treatment)
• May I make an appointment or can I walk-in for _______ services?
• How much will I end up paying for these services? 
• Where is your office located?
• Is the check-in time different from the actual appointment time?
• Remember, you are responsible for your medical care and its related costs. Before concluding the call, confirm the co-pay/deductible, the location, and the appointment time.
  

Step 4: Still Need Help?

Always bring your health insurance and/or Medi-Cal card to your off-campus health-related appointments. If you don't have the physical card, a photocopy or a picture of the front and back of the card will work as well.

For more information about where to go for health-related services using your health insurance, make an appointment with the Health Literacy and Outreach Coordinator.   

 

Applying for Medi-cal

How Do I Apply for Medi-Cal?

The process for verifying your Medi-Cal eligibility, from the time your completed application is received to when you receive your Benefits Identification Card (BIC), normally takes 45 days. The general process for verification is as follows:

1. Apply – complete the application, and submit it either in person, by mail, by phone, or online
2. Receive a Notification of Likely Eligibility by mail
3. Your county's social services office may contact you by mail or by phone to request paper verification of income, citizenship, and other criteria that cannot be verified electronically
4. Receive a Final Notice of Action notifying you of whether or not you can receive Medi-Cal
5. Receive your BIC – when you receive your BIC in the mail, you are able to use the many Medi-Cal benefits available to you.

How Do I Get Retroactive Medi-Cal?

Please refer to page 17 of the My Medi-Cal: How to Get the Health Care You Need guide to learn about retroactive Medi-Cal.

How Do I Select a Plan for Medi-Cal?

Please refer to the Department of Health Care Services website to learn more about the steps to apply and select a plan.

Can I Get Dental And Vision Coverage Through Medi-Cal?

Some dental and vision services are covered under Medi-Cal.

For more information, contact Denti-Cal via (800) 322-6384, by visiting their website or the Medi-Cal Dental Provider Directory.

Vision: Contact your insurance company under Medi-Cal (ex: Molina, Kaiser, Community Health Group)

I Live Out of County, How Long Does it Take to Transfer My Medi-Cal to San Diego?

The process might be completed in as little as 30 days but can sometimes take longer. Counties sometimes have different processes, so ICTs work more smoothly between some counties than others. You will continue to receive benefits either way.

Ideally, you will want to call your county’s Medi-Cal/Health and Human Services department at least 10 days before you move to San Diego. A list of Medi-Cal county offices can be found here.

Can I Qualify For Medi-Cal As An International Student?

F-1 and J-1 international students are required to purchase the pre-approved policy offered by JCB Insurance Solutions in order to statsify the California State University insurance requirement.

Visit the International Student Center website for more detailed information.

However, yes. In general, anyone can apply for Medi-Cal. A person on an H-1 visa is a temporary worker or trainee. Anyone living and working in California and can provide evidence of that, they can meet California residency.

Can I Get Medi-Cal Or Covered California If I Am An Undocumented Student?

For more information about qualifying for Medi-Cal or Covered California, please visit Department of Healthcare Services website.

 

Health Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions