Graduating Students

If you are currently insured under the UC SHIP plan, your coverage ends at 11:59pm on 1/8/2012 for Fall graduates. Coverage ends at 11:59pm on 8/19/2012 for Spring/Summer graduates.  COBRA coverage is not available for student insurance.  However, students who are enrolled in UC SHIP may opt to continue the policy for a maximum of one semester after graduation. 

SHS strongly encourages all students, regardless of age or health status, to arrange for some sort of short term policy. UC Hastings does not endorse any specific policies.  Here are some options for you to consider:

• To enroll in UC SHIP for one semester after graduation, students must mail a completed Voluntary UC SHIP 2011-2012 Continuation Plan Enrollment Form and payment directly to Wells Fargo Insurance Services. Spring 2011 Graduates, note that you have 30 days after your termination date of August 21, 2011, to voluntarily enroll.  Please note that the cost for coverage as a UC Hastings graduate is different than the cost for an enrolled student.
• Information on individual short term insurance plans is available at http://www.renstudent.com/Students/ShortTerm_Individ.htm. Pricing for individual policies varies by age, type of coverage and geographic location.
• Kaiser Permanente is another option to consider. For more information, go to http://kpif.kp.org/Pages/93068n/?pcid=45889721&WT.mc_id=93068n&WT.seg_1=IP-4-45889721&WT.srch=1
• If you have a known chronic health condition, California Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board (MRMIB) is an option. For more info, go to http://www.mrmib.ca.gov/mrmib/MRMIB4.html. The wait period varies for this program (sometimes 3 or more months). Apply as soon as possible for MRMIB because of the wait period.  SHS offers social work services if you need assistance with this process.  Please call 415.565.4612 to make an appointment with the social worker. 

MEDICAL RECORDS
Students who anticipate needing medical records from Hastings Student Health Services may request them before leaving school. If you have had any injury or illness that may have ongoing problems, you may want to keep a copy of your records. You may hold your own records until you find a new physician or have them sent directly to your MD. Women may want to have a record of their annual exams to give to their next physician. If you want your records complete a Release of Information form and return to SHS.  Medical records are kept for three years after a student graduates.  After three years, all records are destroyed.

CERTIFICATE OF PRIOR HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
In order to ensure a smooth transition with your next health insurance provider, you will need to provide them with a Certificate of Prior Coverage. This certificate provides proof that you have had health insurance. There must be a lapse of no more than 63 days following the termination date of UC SHIP to qualify as continuous coverage.  Graduates will automatically receive a Certificate of Prior Coverage from Anthem Blue Cross. If you do not receive a certificate by September 30, 2011, call Anthem Blue Cross Customer Service (866.940.8306) to receive this document. The most common reason for not receiving the certificate is a change of address.  If this is the case, make sure to tell the Anthem representative of your address change.