Medi-Cal & SHIP
Is it possible to coordinate my Medi-Cal & SHIP benefits?
It is sometimes possible to coordinate Medi-Cal and SHIP coverage, and Medi-Cal can help you cover co-payments and other out-of-pocket costs not covered by SHIP. This is possible when you access medical services in the county that your Medi-Cal benefits are active in with a provider outside of the Tang Center that accepts both Medi-Cal and SHIP, or in the event that you need emergency medical care anywhere in the US.
Does having SHIP disqualify me from Medi-Cal?
While SHIP allows dual coverage, please consult with Medi-Cal to determine if you qualify for coverage while enrolled in another health insurance plan. Typically, Medi-Cal will become your secondary insurance plan and SHIP will become your primary. Please note there can be challenges with coordinating insurance benefits, so if you have questions about dual health insurance or you face issues navigating Medi-Cal you can reach out to Bay Area Legal Aid for support.
Does my financial aid cover SHIP? Will waiving SHIP impact my financial aid?
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For some students, financial aid covers the cost of SHIP. Waiving out of SHIP does not result in "more financial aid” for students who are dependents, as you will not receive the grant intended to cover SHIP in your financial aid package. However, this is different for students with independent status. For more information visit Financial Aid’s SHIP page
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To find out how SHIP impacts your specific financial aid package, contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office by opening a case in Cal Student Central or stopping by the Basic Needs Financial Aid Virtual Drop-In Services.
Can I waive SHIP using Medi-Cal? What do I need to do to waive SHIP using Medi-Cal?
To waive SHIP using Medi-Cal, you will need to be fully enrolled in Medi-Cal benefits and have an assigned primary care physician (PCP) within a 50-mile radius of campus or where you are residing. This means that you need to be enrolled with Medi-Cal in Alameda County, or the county you’re residing in while you’re in school, and be a patient of a contracted PCP on the approved providers list. Please note, the process for applying for Medi-Cal can take up to 45 days and you will need the PCP before waiving SHIP. For more information on waiving SHIP with Medi-Cal, please visit this SHIP page