Navigating Student Health Services at SFSU: A Comprehensive Guide
Student Health Services (SHS) at San Francisco State University (SFSU) is dedicated to providing accessible and cost-effective, quality medical care to all registered students. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the services offered, insurance requirements, appointment procedures, and other essential information to help students effectively utilize SHS.
Mission and Accreditation
The primary mission of SF State Student Health Services (SHS) is to provide accessible and cost-effective quality medical care for all registered students at SF State. SHS strives to provide high-quality outpatient medical services for the care of acute and subacute conditions, illnesses, and injuries to all regularly enrolled California State University (CSU) students in a timely manner, as mandated by the CSU Policy of the Board of Trustees on Student Health Services E.O. All regularly enrolled students (those students who pay the Student Health Fee) at any California State University campus are entitled to use any CSU Student Health Service for primary (basic) care whether or not they have health insurance. Proof of current enrollment (such as student ID or class schedule) must be shown prior to receiving service.
SHS has received accreditation for 3 years by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Achieving AAAHC Accreditation demonstrates a commitment to providing the highest levels of quality care to patients and maintaining a high level of quality in business practices. This accreditation signifies that Student Health Services at SFSU has met the rigorous standards of a nationally recognized third party. The organization embodies the 1095 Strong, quality every day philosophy, a commitment to ongoing improvement and quality each day of operation. During the three-year accreditation term, the organization continues to develop and foster the kind of everyday habits that enable leaders in the industry to provide the utmost in health care delivery and patient safety.
Services Offered
Student Health Services (SHS) provides most of the basic health services that students will need at SF State. SHS provides high quality outpatient medical services for the care of acute and subacute conditions, illnesses and injuries.
Accessing Services and Appointments
Important: SHS is NOT a walk-in clinic. Before accessing SHS services, students must first make an appointment.
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Understanding Health Insurance
Health insurance is important to access care. International students (F-1 and J-1 visas) and all students living in University housing are required to have health insurance. All regularly enrolled students (those students who pay the Student Health Fee) at any California State University campus are entitled to use any CSU Student Health Service for primary (basic) care whether or not they have health insurance. Proof of current enrollment (such as student ID or class schedule) must be shown prior to receiving service.
Insurance Requirements for International Students
SFSU requires all F-1 international students to purchase repatriation/evacuation insurance to ensure they have the resources necessary to return to their home country in the event of a catastrophic event or to have their remains returned to their country should an accident occur resulting in a student's death. For the coverage period, enter 8/16/2024 for the start date and 8/15/2025 for the end date. For the 2024-2025 academic year, students will receive a My Account/ID Card invitation from UnitedHealthcare within 2-3 business days that includes instructions to register and/or sign into your My Account.
Understanding Key Insurance Terms
The health insurance industry uses a lot of confusing vocabulary.
- Co-pay: A "co-pay" is a fixed fee that the student must pay for certain services at the beginning of an in-network medical appointment. Insurance will cover the remaining cost. In some cases, students may be required to pay a “co-pay” to receive a service.
- Deductible: A "deductible" is the set amount of money a student must spend on certain medical services before insurance will begin to cover the cost. If a student reaches the deductible limit for a deductible-eligible service, insurance will begin to pay for a percentage of the cost, while the student is responsible for the rest of the cost.
- In-network provider: An in-network provider is a provider that will accept students’ insurance.
- Out-of-network provider: An "out-of-network" provider will not accept students’ insurance.
Paying for Services
All students, no matter what they may be billed for (such as pharmacy prescriptions, lab tests, etc.), are charged through their Bursar account. As a CPaGE student, each general medical visit to SHS comes with a $60 charge (see list of ALL CHARGES). Students do not pay at the time of their visit. To pay for the medical services received at SHS: Log on to the Student Center and make payment, file a claim with the insurance company.
Normally, when students use their health insurance to receive medical care, the medical provider will send the bill directly to the insurance company. However, at some locations (for example, Student Health Services at SFSU), the medical clinic will bill the patient.
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Additional Insurance Information
Some jobs include health insurance coverage as a benefit (employment benefits). Most students can remain on their parent's plan until the age of 26. This is typically cheaper than buying a separate health insurance plan of your own.
No, some insurance plans may reimburse you for the cost of certain medical expenses at SHS such as lab tests, assistive devices like crutches, and medications.
Routine (meaning non-emergency) dental and vision care are NOT covered by the SFSU pre-approved insurance plan. Students who would like this coverage should purchase additional dental and/or vision insurance or be prepared to pay for such services privately. F-1 international students on government-sponsored scholarships that provide compatible insurance coverage as a part of the sponsorship.
Why Health Insurance is Crucial
Without insurance, international students might face financial ruin resulting from serious accidents or illness.
Alternative Healthcare Options
Many off-campus healthcare options are available.
Read also: Understanding SFSU Admissions
Urgent Care is a type of walk-in clinic that treats injuries or illnesses that are non-life-threatening but still require immediate attention (e.g. flu, cold, sprained ankle). The emergency room should ONLY be used for life-threatening situations (such as those that require an ambulance). Students should NOT visit the emergency room for non-life-threatening situations. Try to find an off-campus doctor (aka healthcare provider) and an urgent care clinic.
Medi-Cal is a public health insurance program in California that provides free or low-cost medical services to people with limited income (federal welfare assistance).
Confidentiality
Your Student Health Services medical records are confidential.
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