The UC Davis Health Equity Fund (HEF) was created alongside students to center equity and access for all UC Davis students. While available funding and eligibility have changed over time, the purpose of the fund remains to provide financial support to students who would otherwise be unable to receive crucial medical and counseling services due to financial barriers, access barriers, or confidentiality concerns.
The Health Equity Fund is available (while funds last) 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).
Funds are available – each with its own eligibility criteria – to (1) students on the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP students), (2) students not on the Student Health Insurance Plan (non-UC SHIP students), and (3) students in need of an ambulance for emergency care. Each of these categories is described below; please review the following information on eligibility and how to apply for the funds.
UC SHIP Enrolled Students
Enrolled students who have UC SHIP may apply for assistance through the Health Equity Fund.
Eligible Services: UC SHIP students can apply for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred from services received from an in-network provider/facility with Anthem Blue Cross, Delta Dental or Anthem Blue View or for copays at the Student Health and Wellness Center.
Timely Filing Requirement: Applications must be submitted through Health-e-Messaging within 6 months of the date of service. The date of service must be while coverage was active by UC SHIP.
Eligibility: Students must be currently registered at UC Davis, enrolled in UC SHIP and have an Aggie Bill account in good standing.
Required Documentation:
- Students must submit a completed Health Equity Fund application through Health-e-Messaging.
- Students must submit a copy of the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from Anthem Blue Cross, Delta Dental or Anthem Blue View with their completed application.
Minimum amount available to request: $50 (multiple smaller charges may be combined to meet the minimum)
Maximum amount available to request: $800*
- Students who have previously been approved for HEF requests totaling more than $800 are no longer eligible for additional assistance, *unless it is for the Arhan Vyas Emergency Transportation Fund (see below).
(Note: As part of the application, students will be asked to provide permission for Student Health and Counseling Services to access their Aggie Bill and financial aid account information.)
Non-UC SHIP Enrolled Students
Enrolled students without UC SHIP may apply for assistance through the Health Equity Fund.
Eligible Services: Only services received at Student Health and Counseling Services are eligible for assistance through the Health Equity Fund. Student Health and Counseling Services includes services provided at the Student Health and Wellness Center. This fund usage will provide a fee waiver (rather than a reimbursement) for qualifying services rendered.
There is no minimum qualifying expense. The maximum amount available to request: $150*
*Students who are also applying for assistance with ambulance transportation for emergency care through the Arhan Vyas Emergency Transportation Fund (see below) may exceed the $150 limit.
Timely Filing Requirement: Applications must be submitted through Health-e-Messaging within 3 months from the date of service.
- Applications submitted within 14 days of the service date: The fee waiver will be processed before the charge is posted to Aggie Bill.
- Applications submitted more than 14 days after the service date: The charge or fee will be posted to Aggie Bill first. A credit for the waived amount will be posted to Aggie Bill the month after the application is submitted.
Eligibility: Students must be currently registered at UC Davis. Students in deferred, withdrawal or PELP status are not eligible.
Financial Eligibility: Open to all non-UC SHIP enrolled students.
Required Documentation: Students must submit a completed Health Equity Fund application through Health-e-Messaging. The application must include the date(s) of service and the service(s) for which the student is requesting assistance.
(Note: As part of the application, students will be asked to provide permission for Student Health and Counseling Services to access their Aggie Bill and financial aid account information.)
Arhan Vyas Emergency Transportation Fund
This supplemental fund is available to both enrolled UC SHIP and non-UC SHIP students.
Eligible Services: Emergency ambulance transportation services, including both ground and air transportation, with a licensed emergency transportation company.
- Non-emergency medical transportation is not eligible for assistance through this fund.
Eligibility: Students must be currently registered at UC Davis and have an Aggie Bill account in good standing.
Maximum amount available to request: $2,500
Minimum amount available to request: $50
Timely Filing Requirement: Applications must be submitted through Health-e-Messaging within 6 months of the date of service.
Financial Eligibility: Open to all registered students at UC Davis.
Required Documentation:
- Students must submit a completed Health Equity Fund application through Health-e-Messaging.
- Students must submit a copy of the Explanation of Benefits from their insurance company with their completed application.
Application Process
Students must submit a completed application through the Health-e-Messaging (HEM) system.
- Once logged in, select "Messages"
- Select "New Message"
- Select "Health Equity Fund Application"
- Indicate SHIP, Private Insurance, Ambulance Fund or Request for Exception
- Complete the entire form and submit
- For enrolled students on UC SHIP: Please attach a copy of the Explanation of Benefits from either Anthem Blue Cross or Delta Dental of California to your application in Health-e-Messaging.
- For enrolled students not on UC SHIP applying to Ambulance Fund: Please attach a copy of the Explanation of Benefits from your insurance company to your application in Health-e-Messaging.
A Student Health and Counseling Services representative will review your application and supporting documentation to ensure that you have provided the necessary information.
FAQs
FAQs for all Eligibility Groups
- Who can I ask if I have any questions about this?
- Please contact the Insurance Services Office at Student Health and Counseling Services for any questions. They can be reached at [email protected].
- 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.
- I believe my situation warrants an exception. Is there any exception process?
- If you believe your situation warrants an exception to these criteria, please follow the application process and select the “Request for Exception” option to explain your situation and why you are requesting an exception. Student Health & Counseling Services will review your request and communicate with you regarding next steps if applicable.
FAQs for SHIP Students
- 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)
- 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?
- - Sunglasses
- Orthodontia
- Gas or expenses for travel in a personal automobile
- Transportation to/from health care visits (ride-share services such as Uber/Lyft, Amtrak)
- Electric toothbrushes
- GLP-1 medications
- OTC (Over the Counter) Medications/Supplies - What happens after I submit my application?
- For Students with SHIP and/or Arhan Vyas Ambulance Fund
Student Health and Counseling Services will review your application and supporting documentation to ensure that you have provided the necessary information, including checking your University accounts to ensure there is no outstanding balance. The SHCS representative will notify you if your application is complete and will provide this information to the Financial Aid office for payment processing if approved (while funding is available). 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?
- For Students with SHIP and/or Arhan Vyas Ambulance Fund
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.
FAQs for Non-SHIP Students
- What types of services are eligible for assistance?
- Any services available – within the maximum amount available per student – at Student Health and Counseling Services are eligible under the Health Equity Fund.
- What are some examples of services that are generally not covered?
- Services provided outside of Student Health and Counseling Services are not eligible for non-SHIP students under the Health Equity Fund with the exception of the Arhan Vyas Ambulance Fund (see above).
- What happens after I submit my application?
- A Student Health and Counseling Services representative will review your application and your health record to ensure we have all necessary information and that your services qualify for HEF. The representative will process your HEF waiver if funds are available and your request is being granted. If you are missing information/documentation, the representative will make you aware that they cannot process your application until further action is taken.
- Will I be taxed on this grant?
For Non-SHIP Students using HEF at SHCS
This will be considered a waiver of your fees rather than a grant being distributed to you. If you have already paid your fees, you may not be eligible for the HEF.For Students Using the Arhan Vyas Ambulance Fund
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.