Health Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Student Health Fee?
The Yosemite Community College District (YCCD) Board of Trustees has established Student Health Services as an integral part of the college community. The Board’s intent in providing Health Services at Modesto Junior College (MJC) is to monitor and improve the health and safety of the college community and to support student retention and academic success by addressing student health needs. California Education Code (76355) allows a Health Fee to be charged to students at MJC, and this is applied to all students unless they meet exemption criteria. The maximum amount of the Health Fee is outlined by the Education Code, with $1 Cost-of-Living increases allowed when inflationary indexes in California warrant it. Additionally, the Education Code language includes regulations on what services may be provided with Health Fee dollars.
What does the Health Fee pay for?
The Health Fee is the primary source of funding for programs offered by the Health Services department. This includes the salaries of professional staff in the health centers established on both MJC campuses. The staff provides individual healthcare services, such as nurse and physician visits, mental health therapy/counseling, as well as health promotion and presentations in classrooms, online, and at campus events. Staff also provides support services towards improving the health of entire college community through public health and risk management interventions, such as emergency preparedness and incident reporting of infectious diseases. See the Health Services homepage for a full description of the scope of services provided.
I don’t plan on using Student Health Services so why should I pay?
Health and wellness needs are often unplanned and unpredictable. The public health funding model, as designed by the Education Code and adopted by the YCCD Board, invests Health Fee dollars towards sustainable and effective health services within the entire college community. When any individual student with a communicable disease is being treated by Health Services, this keeps all students, staff and faculty on our campuses healthier by reducing exposure to infections. If you are injured on campus, you may be referred directly to a provider in Health Services for follow-up. If you are experiencing a mental health challenge, your peers or instructor may refer you to mental health services. Accessible and after-hours mental health services help alleviate anxiety and stress felt by students, peers and faculty, by connecting them with the help they need. Health Services contribute to a healthier educational environment for everyone.
Are there any waivers allowable for the Health Fee?
The District currently allows waivers for students that rely exclusively upon prayer for healing (available here). The fee is not charged to students enrolled in the following course types:
- An indentured apprentice in apprenticeship classes only
- Students enrolled in short-term courses of 16 or less instructional hours
- Students enrolled in courses offered outside of the YCCD service area
- Off-Campus Contract Education Courses (CCAP Dual Enrollment only)
Who may access Student Health Services, and what is available in-person and remotely?
Students who have paid the health fee may access Health Services. Whereas many of the students coming into the health centers for this service are economically challenged and do not have health insurance, just as many students DO have health insurance, finding the location convenient, and services timely, private, and without costly co-payments for healthcare visits in the community.
Services include
- Over-the-counter items, such as ibuprofen, pads/tampons, condoms, and band aids
- Visits with nurses, physicians, and mental health providers
- Individual therapy/counseling from MJC providers
- Mental Health First Aid training
- 24/7 mental health support through TimelyCare
- Mental health screening program (anonymous) through MindWise
- Healthy Living Presentations (live and on-demand)
- Student Health Portal
- Treatments for acute injuries and illnesses
- Pregnancy testing
- Assistance meeting health requirements associated with academic programs
- Information on Medi-Cal enrollment and health insurances options
- Assistance with Student Accident Insurance claims
- Community referrals and resources
- Tuberculosis Risk Assessments
- Immunizations, lab orders, tuberculosis skin tests (provided at cost)
Remote Services
- 24/7 mental health support through TimelyCare
- Mental health screening program (anonymous) through MindWise
- Healthy Living Presentations (live and on-demand)
- Appointments with nurses and mental health providers
- Individual therapy/counseling from MJC providers
- Student Health Portal
- Assistance meeting health requirements associated with academic programs
- Information on Medi-Cal enrollment and health insurances options
- Assistance with Student Accident Insurance claims
- Community referrals and resources
- Lab orders (provided at cost), Tuberculosis Risk Assessments
How does a student access services?
Although you may walk in during our business hours, it is best to call us and make an appointment. Depending on the need or request, appointments can be for remote or in-person services. Walk-in appointments for clinical services are accommodated when possible. Immediate appointments may be available depending on availability of the provider.
Call MJC Health Services at 209-575-6038 and staff will assist you in accessing the specific service or support you need. Visit the homepage to learn about business hours, locations, and services available.