What is this fund and where did the money come from?
The UC SHIP Reserve Fund Investment Committee (RFIC) granted funds to UC Davis, Hastings College of Law, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC San Francisco, UC Santa Barbara and UC Santa Cruz for distribution to students with a financial hardship, to assist the student in paying their out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed $500 up to the in-network individual out-of-pocket maximum.
Who is eligible to obtain assistance from this grant?
All graduate and undergraduate students and dependents who are currently enrolled in UC SHIP and enrolled for at least one term before the date of the medical service. The medical service date must be during the 2024-25 plan year. Student must have no outstanding financial balance with their campus and have applied for charity care from the provider of service.
How do I apply for assistance?
Complete the UC SHIP Medical Care Assistance Fund Application found on the myucship.org website or your campus’ Student Health Center website: UC Merced Campus Medical Care Assistance Fund Program webpage. The application is also linked at the bottom of this page. Submit your application, the response from the facility/provider for the charity fund request, and a copy of your Anthem Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to the insurance staff at the student health center. Applications should be emailed SECURELY to: insurance@ucmerced.edu. Decisions will be delivered via UCM email within 10 business days of receipt.
What happens after I submit my application?
Your Student Health Center (SHC) representative will review your application and supporting documents to insure that you have provided the necessary information. They will check your University accounts to ensure there is no outstanding balance.
How long will it take before I receive payment to pay my provider?
The SHC representative will notify you if your application is complete and will provide this information to the Financial Aid Office for payment processing. If you have an outstanding balance or missing information, the representative will make you aware that they cannot process your application until your University account is paid in full.
What types of services are available for assistance?
The following services are available for assistance, but services must be medical necessary:
- Hospitalization
- In-Patient Care (includes mental healthy/substance abuse
- Outpatient Surgery
- Outpatient Care (includes mental health/substance abuse)
- Hospice Care
- Diagnostic Testing
- Emergency Medical Transportation
- Childbirth/Delivery Professional Services
- Childbirth/Delivery Facility Services
- Skilled Nursing
- Physician/Surgeon Services
- Imaging Services (MRI/CT/PET Scans)
- Durable Medical Equipment
- Pharmacy
How do I know if a service is deemed medically necessary?
Anthem Blue Cross, UC SHIP’s Claims Administrator, will provide you with an Explanation of Benefits (EOB), which shows the services rendered, billed charges, the allowed amount for payment, and your responsibility, if any. Anthem will only make payment on medically necessary services.
How do I obtain a copy of Anthem Explanation of Benefits (EOB)?
Anthem will mail you an EOB, unless you have elected through their member portal to receive communication electronically. You may also contact Anthem at (866) 940-8306 and request a copy of your EOB.
What if I didn’t receive the service yet because I can’t afford it?
Unfortunately, this benefit is only for those that have experienced a medical service. You should inquire with your medical provider(s) as to what options they may offer.
What is Charity Care and how do I apply for it?
Charity Care is health care provided for free or at reduced prices to low income patients. Please contact the provider’s office that is billing for these services in writing to ask if they have any form of Charity Care. Some providers have applications, some require a letter of request, while others may not offer any sort of charity care. For those that do allow for Charity Care, they may review your request and offer to write off the amount owed, they may write off a portion of the billed amount or may determine you are not qualified for Charity Care. If your provider does not offer charity care, please provide a letter or email from them indicating they do not offer charity care. Please provide their written response to your request/application along with your Medical Care Assistance Fund Application to your campus Student Health Center representative.
Who can I ask if I have questions about this?
Please contact your student health center insurance department for any questions about this benefit. You may call 209-228-4876 or email insurance@ucmerced.edu.
Campus Medical Care Assistance Fund FAQ's 2024-25
Campu Medical Care Assistance Fund application 2024-25
If you do not believe you are eligible for this program but still need assistance, visit the UC Merced Dean of Students webpage to view the emergency funds information.
