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Using Your Benefits

Tips for using your CSUMB benefits for the first time.

Benefits and Wellness

The first step to accessing your Cal State Monterey Bay employee benefits is attending an information session and completing your initial paperwork. 

After that, your enrollments are processed and will ultimately reach the carrier’s database, where your doctor will verify your eligibility.

Note: If you need services during this processing time, you may be asked to pay for services up front and submit a claim to the carrier for reimbursement later.

Tips for Using Benefits

Here are a few pointers to help you use your benefits for the first time.

Medical, dental and vision benefits are usually effective the first of the month following the date your enrollment forms were received.

You can review your benefit enrollments and dependent coverage information online in CMS Employee Resources > Self Service > Benefits > Benefits Summary.  

If you notice any discrepancies, please contact Human Resources.

Note: If your benefit deductions are not shown on your pay stub, it may mean the State Controller's Office is still processing them or there was an error. If this is the case, please contact Human Resources so we can troubleshoot.

The doctor's office and pharmacy may request a copy of your insurance card. If you do not have this with you at the time of your visit, you may be asked to pay for services up front and will need to fill out a claim form for reimbursement at a later date.

ID cards are issued to Medical and DeltaCare USA (DHMO) enrollees only within 7 to 10 working days of the carrier processing your enrollment. If you have not received your Medical ID card within three to four weeks of submitting your enrollment forms, please contact the health insurance plan directly.

You can search for medical, dental or vision providers on the appropriate benefit carrier's website, all of which are listed on the Benefit Contact Information.

Preferred providers may change without notice. Please verify with the provider you select that they take your insurance before scheduling your appointment or using services.

If there is an issue with your eligibility, please contact Human Resources for assistance. We will verify eligibility and, if necessary, contact the carrier and have them update your information in their system.

Sometimes you may be required to submit a claim form for reimbursement. Possible scenarios include:

  • Any time you have to pay up front for services
  • If the doctor's office will not bill your insurance for you
  • If you need to use services and you are not showing in the carrier's database yet
  • You have not received your ID card yet
  • You obtain services out of state or country

Vision Coverage Only 

Please bring the appropriate vision claim form with you to your appointment, should you meet one of the following scenarios:

  • You go to a non-VSP preferred provider
  • You are eligible and are using the Computer Vision Care vision benefit