Coordination of benefits (COB) applies to members who are covered by more than one health care plan. COB helps to ensure that members covered by more than one plan will receive the benefits they are entitled to while avoiding overpayment by either plan. Coordinating benefits is one of the ways to keep premiums at a minimum.
As a student and/or dependent enrolled in medical coverage with University of California, it is a
requirement to provide all primary health insurance coverage information to Anthem Blue Cross by filling out this form.
When You Are Covered by UC SHIP and Another Health Plan
When a member of the UC SHIP is covered by more than one health plan (for example, when a student is covered under the UC SHIP plan, as well as a spouse's or parent's health plan),one plan is considered to be the primary carrier and the other is considered to be the secondary carrier. The primary carrier covers the major portion of the bill according to plan allowances, and the secondary carrier covers any remaining allowable expenses.
For services received at Student Health Service, UC SHIP is primary. And, for most services received, there is no co-pay at SH (for exceptions, please see our fees page).
For services received outside of the Student Health Service, the student's non UC SHIP medical plan will be considered the primary plan, meaning that plan must consider claims first. After the primary plan processes and pays a claim or denies liability, any remaining charges may be submitted to UC SHIP (the secondary plan) for consideration of plan benefits. This holds true for all medical plans except the Medical Risk Management Insurance Program (MRMIP), Medi-Cal, and TriCare. If a student has MRMIP, Medi-Cal or TriCare, UC SHIP will be the primary plan,and MRMIP, Medi-Cal or TriCare the secondary plan. For questions about coordination between plans, call Anthem Blue Cross Customer Service at 1-866-940-8306.