The frequently asked questions and answers listed below are for students who have waived out of the CCA student health insurance and are requesting assistance with navigating their non-CCA health insurance plan. If you still need help after reviewing the information below, please reach out to ask@cca.edu.

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Why should I consider a One Medical membership?

How do I find in-network doctors or hospitals?

What is a “network” in health insurance?

What should I bring to a doctor’s appointment?

What is a copay, deductible, and coinsurance?

What if I can’t find my insurance card?

I don’t have the CCA student health insurance, but I’m not sure which health insurance company my insurance is with.

What if I’m having an emergency, but I don’t know any of my health insurance information?

How do I use insurance at a pharmacy?

What if I have an emergency?

How can I get mental health care with my insurance?

What if I need to see a specialist?

What do I do if I get a bill I don’t understand?

What if I can’t afford the deductible, copays or coinsurance of my health plan?

If you’re having trouble navigating your health insurance, One Medical can make things easier. One Medical is a membership-based primary-care practice. It provides high quality, patient centered primary care services with same-day/next-day appointments and has office locations in the Bay Area and nationwide. Amazon Prime members can add a One Medical membership for only $9/month or $99/year, otherwise the cost for an annual membership is $199/person. Learn more about One Medical here (including how to sign up).

Most insurance companies have a tool on their website or app where you can search for in-network providers. You can also call your insurance company’s customer service phone number (located on the back of your insurance card) for help finding a provider.

A network is a group of healthcare providers (doctors, hospitals, etc.) that have agreed to work with your insurance company at a discounted rate. It’s generally cheaper to use healthcare providers who are “in-network.” If you visit an “out-of-network” provider, you might pay more.

When visiting a doctor, always bring:

• Your insurance card (physical or digital)
• A valid ID (like a student ID or driver’s license)
• Payment method if there’s a copay or deductible
• A list of any medications you’re currently taking

• Copay: A fixed amount you pay for a healthcare service (e.g., $25 for a doctor visit).
• Deductible: The amount you pay before your insurance starts covering services (e.g., $500 per year).
• Coinsurance: The percentage you pay for services after your deductible is met (e.g., 20% of the bill, while insurance covers 80%).

If you can’t find your insurance card, here are some steps you can take:

• Check Your Email or App: Many insurance companies offer a digital card through their app or website. Log into your account to access a digital version of your card, which you can download or take a screenshot of.
• Contact Your Insurance Provider: Call the customer service number for your insurance company (often found on their website). They can provide your policy information over the phone and send you a new card by mail if needed.
• Ask Your Parents or Guardian: If you’re covered under a family plan, your parents or guardians may have a copy or know the policy details. They can also request a replacement card for you.
• Write Down Your Insurance Info: If you’re able to get the policy number and group ID, write it down and keep it with you as a temporary backup. Most healthcare providers can look up your coverage with this information.

Having access to your insurance card—whether physical or digital—makes it easier to get care, but even without it, your provider can usually verify your coverage with some basic information.

If you’re unsure which insurance you’re covered by, here’s what you can do:

• Ask Your Parents or Guardians: If you’re on a family plan, your parents or guardians should be able to tell you the insurance company and plan details. Many college students remain on a parent’s health plan until age 26.
• Check Your Email and Personal Records: Look for any health insurance documents you may have received, including emails, letters, or online account information. Insurance providers often send policy info by email, so search keywords like “insurance,” “health plan,” or “policy” in your email inbox.

Finding out your insurance details is important, especially in case of emergencies, so try to confirm your plan information and save it in a secure place.

If you’re experiencing an emergency but don’t have your health insurance information, here’s what you can do:

• Seek Immediate Care First: In a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency room (ER) or call 911. Emergency rooms are required by law to provide treatment, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Please review the Medical and Mental Health Emergencies portal page for more information on local facilities and resources.
• Explain Your Situation to ER Staff: Let the hospital staff know that you don’t have your insurance information on hand. They can often treat you first and gather your information later. The hospital’s billing department can assist you in finding your insurance details after treatment.
• Contact Family or Guardians: If you’re on a family plan, ask your parents or guardians for your insurance information as soon as you can. They can often provide details over the phone, which the hospital can use to process your coverage.
• Request Financial Assistance: Many hospitals offer financial assistance or payment plans if you’re uninsured or unable to pay your bill right away. The billing department can help you explore these options if needed.

Getting care in an emergency is the top priority, and healthcare providers have ways to help you work out insurance details after the situation is stabilized.

When you need to fill a prescription, bring your insurance card to the pharmacy. The pharmacist will use your insurance information to calculate how much you owe, which may be a copay or a percentage of the drug’s cost.

In case of a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency room (ER). If your situation is less urgent but still requires immediate attention, consider visiting an urgent care center, which is often cheaper than the ER. Insurance usually covers ER visits, but you may have a higher copay or deductible. Please review the Medical and Mental Health Emergencies portal page for more information on local facilities and resources.

Most insurance plans include mental health coverage. To find a therapist or counselor, check your plan’s list of in-network mental health providers by going to their website or calling the customer number on the back of your insurance insurance card. Additionally, CCA’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offer free counseling to students. For urgent, immediate assistance, please call the CCA mental health crisis hotline at 415.551.9344.

You may need a referral from a primary care doctor before seeing a specialist. Check with your insurance provider to understand the process and whether the specialist is in-network.

Don’t panic! Compare the bill with your insurance’s explanation of benefits (EOB). If something seems wrong, contact the provider’s billing department or your insurance company for clarification. Sometimes, errors are made in billing that can be corrected.

Here are some options to explore:

• Talk to Your Parents or Guardians: Make sure your parents or guardians know about the financial difficulty you are experiencing. They may be able to help.
• Ask About Payment Plans: Healthcare providers and hospitals often offer payment plans that allow you to spread out the cost over time. Contact the billing department to discuss your options before or after receiving care.
• Consider Financial Assistance Programs: Some hospitals and healthcare providers have financial assistance programs for those who qualify. If you’re facing high medical bills, ask if financial assistance or discounts are available based on your student or income status.
• Use Generic or Alternative Medications: If your medication copays are high, ask your doctor if a generic version or an alternative medication is available. Generic drugs are often much cheaper and can provide the same health benefits as brand-name drugs.
• Ask for Help with Preventive Care: Many insurance plans cover preventive care, like vaccinations and screenings, without a copay or deductible. This can be helpful if you need routine care or screenings at no extra cost.

Financial concerns shouldn’t stop you from seeking the care you need, so take advantage of these resources to make healthcare more affordable.

Questions? Please reach out to ask@cca.edu.