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This information pertains to Summer Session 2009. If you would like to be notified when information about Summer Session 2010 is available, please sign up for e-mail updates.

Health

Health insurance requirements

Because of the high costs of medical care, Cornell requires that all students, including participants in Cornell University Summer Session, must have health insurance coverage, either their own comparable health insurance or the Cornell University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

The SHIP is an accident/sickness policy designed especially for students at Cornell. It provides extensive coverage for illnesses and injuries, on and off campus, and includes special cost-saving features to keep the coverage as affordable as possible.

The Cornell Office of Student Health Insurance provides assistance to all SHIP members. The SHIP covers pre-existing medical conditions and includes medical evacuation and repatriation under separate coverage through On Call International. SHIP members are covered twenty-four hours a day throughout the term of their enrollment, anywhere in the world, including (and especially) right here on campus at Gannett Health Services.

Please examine your existing insurance coverage carefully and compare it with the major provisions of the Cornell University SHIP. Individuals covered by health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or preferred provider organizations (PPOs) often have severely limited out-of-area coverage that will not cover many costs incurred in the Ithaca area.

To meet Cornell University's criteria, your health insurance plan must:

  1. Be provided by a company licensed to do business in the United States, with a U.S. claim payment office and U.S. phone number.
  2. Provide coverage in the Ithaca area for outpatient and inpatient medical care (coverage for emergency care does NOT meet this requirement).
  3. Provide coverage for outpatient and inpatient mental health care.
  4. Have a maximum health benefit of at least U.S. $500,000/year.
  5. Remain in force as long as you are participating in a summer program.
  6. Provide coverage for pre-existing conditions.

All students, regardless of insurance coverage, are encouraged to use Gannett for their primary medical and mental care.

If students waive the SHIP, Gannett will require payment at time of service. In general, most providers will ask for your insurance information when making an appointment.

If you feel your insurance does not meet Cornell's requirements, please contact the SHIP office for enrollment:

Student Health Insurance Office
Cornell University
409 College Avenue
Suite 211
Ithaca, NY 14850
Telephone: 607.255.6363
Fax: 607.254.5221
E-mail: sicu@cornell.edu
Web: http://www.studentinsurance.cornell.edu

If you choose to enroll in the SHIP, return the SHIP enrollment form with the appropriate premium in U.S. funds either by check or a bank money order to the SHIP office at the address above.

Please note, once you have enrolled in the SHIP, the plan is not cancellable or refundable. In addition, we are not able to enroll you in the SHIP once your Summer Session program has started.

Health history form requirements (deadlines and late fees apply)

Students enrolled in Summer Session are required to complete Cornell's Health History Form to comply with state and federal laws, as well as with university policy. Please read this information carefully, as it may take you some time to comply with health requirements.

Deadlines for submitting the Health History Form:

Late fee: There is a $100 charge for forms that are incomplete or late.

Please note: Students who fail to submit their completed form by the deadline must go to Gannett Health Services during the first week of their summer session to satisfy health requirements. New York State requires Cornell University Summer Session to cancel the registration of any student who has not presented adequate proof of immunization within thirty days of registration.

For more information or assistance, please contact the Requirements Office at Gannett Health Services:
E-mail: immunization@cornell.edu
Phone: 607.255.4364 or 6951

Gannett Health Services

Gannett Health Services, conveniently located on Ho Plaza near Willard Straight Hall, offers quality primary-care medical services for participants in Cornell University Summer Session. Gannett Health Services staff will help you maintain your health, care for illnesses and injuries, and obtain emergency and specialty medical care if you need it.

As a Summer Session student, you are eligible for services at Gannett Health Services, regardless of whether you have the Cornell Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or private health insurance.

Gannett Health Services is open for appointments and urgent care during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Whenever Gannett is closed, you can reach us by phone 24 hours a day, every day, at 607.255.5155. A Gannett health-care provider can offer advice and, if necessary, arrange transportation to the Cayuga Medical Center Emergency Room or Convenient Care Center. Anyone in a health-emergency situation occurring any time of day or night should call 911. Gannett Health Services provides the following services:

Although students with urgent health problems may be seen on a "walk-in" basis, you should call ahead to schedule an appointment whenever possible. If you need advice about whether or when you need an appointment, call and let us help.

Gannett staff members also assist students who need emergency and specialty medical care by making referrals to community practitioners and private health-care facilities.

Fees

Many Gannett visits involve only a $10 charge to you, which can be paid at the time of the visit (by cash, check, or credit card). Additional fees are charged for X-rays, lab analyses, medications, routine physicals, and other services. Check your health insurance plan for information about your coverage. We will provide you with a receipt you can submit for reimbursement from your insurance company. Inability to pay should never be a barrier to receiving needed health care. If you have concerns about expenses related to medical or mental-health care, you can discuss them with a Gannett Billing Office staff member before or during a visit to Gannett.

Confidentiality

All medical care and counseling at Gannett is confidential. Health care records are completely separate from all other university records. Gannett will not release any information about you without your written permission except upon court order, as required by law (for example, in the case of certain communicable diseases or reports of child abuse), or in our judgment as required to protect you or others from immediate danger. In the event of your hospitalization or treatment at Cayuga Medical Center (Ithaca's hospital), Cayuga Medical Center and Gannett will share relevant medical information as needed for continuity of care. You can review Gannett's Notice of Privacy Practices for more information.

For more information:

Gannett Health Services
Web: www.gannett.cornell.edu
E-mail: gannett@cornell.edu
Phone: 607.255.5155