Visiting Scholar Health Insurance and Requirements

Effective December 1, 2010, all visiting scholars and visiting student researchers must provide proof of health insurance coverage prior to having their appointment activated. To this regard, UC Berkeley has partnered with Garnett-Powers and Associates to interface with the affiliate so as to provide coverage. For more information about the UC Berkeley Visiting Scholar Benefits Program (UCBVSBP), go to http://www.garnett-powers.com/academics/ucb/. Should you have any questions about this program, please contact Garnett-Powers & Associates by phone at 888-441-3719 or via email at UCBVSBP@Garnett-Powers.com.

2012 UC Enrollment Brochure

UC Repatriation and Emergency Medical Evacuation

September 29, 2010

DEANS, DIRECTORS AND DEPARMENT CHAIRS

New Health Insurance Requirements for Visiting Scholars and Visiting Student Researchers

It has long been a goal of the University that visiting scholars and visiting student researchers have adequate health insurance coverage while conducting research on the Berkeley campus.  I am pleased to announce a new program, the UC Berkeley Visiting Scholar Benefit Plan (UCBVSBP).

This new program is similar to the campus mandatory student health insurance policy.  The medical plan selected is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) model through United Healthcare/Student Resources and offers comprehensive benefits which meet the J-1 visa requirements established by the U.S. State Department. This plan is available to visiting scholars and visiting student researchers as well as their dependents. 

Effective December 1, 2010, all international and domestic visiting scholars and visiting student researchers will be required to show proof of medical coverage that meets specified benefit levels. Visiting scholars and visiting student researchers will not be granted access to campus services until they have satisfied the insurance requirement. They will be required to enroll in the new plan or be granted a waiver of enrollment within 31 days of their appointment begin date.  Currently, the new plan is available on a voluntary basis for active and incoming visiting scholars and visiting student researchers. 

Please note that dependents of visiting scholars and visiting student researchers may be enrolled in the plan on a voluntary basis within 31 days of arrival or during the annual open enrollment period.

To ensure that departments do not incur extra work during the insurance confirmation process, UCB has partnered with Garnett Powers & Associates (GPA) who will assist in the implementation of this new program.  Effective immediately, GPA customer service staff are available to answer any questions from visiting scholars, visiting student researchers, and campus staff regarding plan design, benefits coverage, enrollment procedures, or claim issues.

The GPA staff may be reached via a toll free customer service line at 888-441-3719, or via e-mail at UCBVSBP@Garnett-Powers.com.

To view plan details or to enroll in the plan, individuals may visit the UCBVSBP web site at
http://www.garnett-powers.com/academics/ucb/.

Sincerely,

Graham Fleming
Vice Chancellor for Research

cc:  VSPA Director Sam Castaneda
UHS Executive Director Claudia Covello