UC Davis Health Equity Fund

Additional support for mental health is available through the Health Equity Fund. Students can request an emergency mental health grant to cover off-campus counseling costs related to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza. You must indicate this specific need in your Health Equity Fund application. This additional support has been provided through the UCOP Emergency Mental Health Grant. 

The UC Davis Health Equity Fund is available to help reimburse students who have experienced significant out-of-pocket expenses related to accessing physical or mental healthcare or to students who have a significant privacy concern as a dependent (e.g., sexual health services). Students can apply for financial assistance in the form of a grant for expenses between $50 and $2,500. Any funds you receive from the Health Equity Fund will be included on your 1098-T tax form. Please consult with a tax professional for any tax related questions.

If you have questions, please refer to the FAQ below, or contact the Insurance Services at insurance@shcs.ucdavis.edu.

Application Process

Students must complete an application through the Health-e-Messaging system. 

  • Once logged in, select "Messages"
  • Select "New Message"
  • Select "Health Equity Fund Application"
  • Complete the entire form, including the "Reason for Requesting Funds"
  • You can add attachments to the message (.jpeg and .pdf formats only)

One or more of the following documents must be included with your application in order for it to be processed: 

  • A copy of the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from the insurance company to show what has been covered
  • A copy of the bill from the provider of service indicating any outstanding balance for services already received
  • A receipt of payment from the provider indicating services have already been rendered

A Student Health Center representative will review your application and supporting documentation to ensure that you have provided the necessary information.

FAQ

  • Who is eligible to obtain assistance from this grant? 

  • All graduate and undergraduate students who are currently eligible for services at Student Health and Counseling Services at UC Davis. The student must have no outstanding financial balance with the campus. 

  • Is there a monetary limit to what can be requested from the grant? 

  • Grants may be requested for expenses that total at least $50 and up to a maximum of $2,500. 

    There is a finite amount of funds available to be requested. Once the funds have been exhausted, there will be no additional funds granted for the remainder of the academic year. 

  • What types of services are eligible for assistance?

  • The following services are eligible for assistance, but services must be medically necessary: 

    In-patient care (includes mental health/substance use)
    Out-patient care (includes mental health/substance use appointments off campus)
    Diagnostic Testing
    Transportation to/from health care visits (ride-share services such as Uber/Lyft, Amtrak, YoloBus)
    Childbirth/Delivery Professional Services
    Childbirth/Delivery Facility Services
    Skilled Nursing
    Out-patient Surgery
    Physician/Surgeon Services
    Imaging Services (MRI/CT/PET scans)
    Durable Medical Equipment 
    Hospice Care
    Emergency Medical Transportation
    Hospitalization

  • What are some examples of services that are generally not covered?

  • Vision care
    Sunglasses
    Orthodontia
    Gas or expenses for travel in a personal automobile
    Electric toothbrushes

  • How do I obtain a copy of an Explanation of Benefits (EOB)? 

  • Your insurance company will mail you an EOB unless you have elected to receive your communications from your insurance company electronically. You may also contact your insurance company customer service department to request a copy of your EOB be mailed to you. 

  • What happens after I submit my application? 

  • A Student Health Center representative will review your application and supporting documentation to ensure that you have provided the necessary information. They will check your University accounts to ensure there is no outstanding balance. The Student Health Center representative will notify you if your application is complete and will provide this information to the Financial Aid office for payment processing if approved. If you have an outstanding balance or missing information/documentation, the representative will make you aware that they cannot process your application until your University account is paid in full or you provide the required documentation. 

  • Will I be taxed on this grant? 

  • Assistance from the Health Equity Fund will be included on your 1098-T form. Included in the 1098-T form are qualified charges that were paid and financial assistance received for the corresponding tax year. Please consult with a tax professional for any tax related questions. 

  • Who can I ask if I have any questions about this? 

  • Please contact the Insurance Services office at the Student Health and Wellness Center for any questions about the Health Equity Fund. They can be reached at insurance@shcs.ucdavis.edu