Important SHIP Changes for Plan Year 2008-09

Temporary ID Cards available from Anthem Blue Cross

Effective August 15, 2008 for UC Berkeley and Mills College Students:

• SHIP includes a new Vision Plan, offered by the UC Berkeley School of Optometry, with the following benefits:
  • Eye exam for a $5 copayment, once every 12 months
  • Frames and lenses OR contact lenses, for a $15 copayment, once every 12 months, up to a $120 value
  • 20% discount on lens options such as Transitions lenses, anti-reflective or anti-scratch coatings, UV protection, and others.
  • 50% discount on Lasik or PRK refractive surgeries
  • 24/7 access to emergency care

  Services must be obtained at UC Berkeley School of Optometry Clinics.

• The Pharmacy maximum will increase from $2,000 to $5,000 per plan year. SHIP will cover up to $5,000 of expenses for prescription medications for a student between August 15 and August 14 each year.

• The lifetime maximum will increase from $250,000 to $400,000. SHIP will cover up to $400,000 of health care expenses while the student is enrolled in the plan.

• Podiatry services received outside of the Tang Center will require authorization by the Student Health Insurance Office.

• The SHIP fees for the 2008-09 academic year are as follows:

New policy on authorization of emergency services effective November 1, 2007:

Retroactive authorization is required for visits to an emergency room or urgent care center prior to November 1, 2007. You must contact the Student Health Insurance Office at (510) 642-5700 to ensure that your services will be covered appropriately.

No authorization from the Student Health Insurance Office is required for visits to an emergency room or urgent care center on or after November 1, 2007. Please provide the facility with your Anthem Blue Cross card. Claims submitted to Anthem Blue Cross will be processed according to the SHIP benefits.

All follow-up care must be authorized in advance by the Student Health Insurance Office.

Questions?

Please contact the Student Health Insurance Office in the Tang Center, located on the third floor, Room 3200; or call 642-5700.

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