UC Davis Health Equity Fund

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 the fillable application form, and then submit it, along with all of your supporting documentation, through the Health-e-Messaging system. 

• Once logged in, select "Messages"
• Select "New Message"
• Select "Health Equity Fund Application"
• 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.

• Health Equity Fund Application - PDF

• Health Equity Fund FAQ's - PDF

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. This includes students who are registered for the current term, or who have enrolled in the voluntary UC SHIP coverage. Students 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: 
  
  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
  Eye Exams
  Prescription eyeglasses/contacts
  Dental Care (excluding orthodontia)

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

• Sunglasses
  Orthodontia
  Gas or expenses for travel in a personal automobile
  Electric toothbrushes
  Insurance premiums

• 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 if I didn't receive the service yet because I can't afford it?

• Unfortunately, requests to the Health Equity Fund will only be considered for students who have already had services. It is recommended that you inquire with your provider if they may be able to bill you for services, or if they offer charity care of any kind.

• 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. 

• How long will it take before I receive payment after my application has been submitted?

• Applications are reviewed once per week (Fridays), unless staff are out of the office due to illness or approved time off. An out of office notice will indicate when a return to the office is expected. Approved applications are sent to the Financial Aid office for processing. The typical turnaround time for processing applications, provided all of the necessary documentation has been provided, is 2-3 weeks. This process may take longer during especially busy time of the year, such as during the start of Fall term, or during university holidays and break times (winter and spring).

• 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