Welcome Back!
Please make sure to read through the information provided for current students as some policies may have changed. 

If I get sick what should I do to access healthcare?

1. Students should always go Suffolk Health Services first, for any health care needs. Health Services is available for appointments and urgent care issues for all students, no matter what health insurance you have. In some cases, you are more likely to be seen at Health Services, than at your own doctor’s office. 
For those students who are enrolled in the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP), Health Services serves as your primary care physician. This means that students who are enrolled in the SSHIP - all health care must be done by Health Services clinicians and/or referrals must be obtained by the clinicians in order for you not to incur any extra costs. With this in mind, the hospital emergency department should only be used for life-threatening injuries or illnesses. 

2.  Students should always carry their insurance card. Most hospitals, doctors and pharmacies work directly with insurance companies for payment. Without your insurance card, you may be required to pay the cost yourself and then apply to be reimbursed by the insurance company.   

3.  Students should complete insurance claim forms accurately and respond promptly to any requests for additional information. The staff in the Suffolk Health Services Office works directly with the SSHIP provider and may assist students with the paperwork.

4.  Students should read and become familiar with their health insurance policy terminology and benefits. Important words to know and understand are: Deductible, Co-pay, Preferred Provider, Primary Care Physician, and Pre-existing Condition. These and other important terms and concepts are described in the policy brochure.  

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I have already submitted my immunization records to Health Services, do I need to do anything else regarding immunizations?

Yes.
Massachusetts occasionally changes immunization requirements for students.  Often this will not affect you because a new law usually contains provisions for phasing in the new requirements.  There is currently legislation pending that will change the requirements beginning Fall 2008.  Stay aware of these developments and visit our website for updates.

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I enrolled or waived the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) last year, do I need to do it again for this year?

Yes.
Remember that the SSHIP is a one year contract.  That means you need to waive the school plan at the start of every school year if you do not need the school insurance.  That also means you need to re-enroll every school year if you do want the school insurance.  Click here for more information on how to waive or enroll in the SSHIP.

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Are the SSHIP benefits the same as in previous years?

No.
Please click here for more information on the benefit changes to the SSHIP.

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I am graduating/ withdrawing/ taking a leave of absence, can I still use Health Services and when does my insurance end?

No, you cannot be seen at Health Services after you graduate/ withdraw/ take a leave of absence.
Health Services is separate from your insurance coverage.  Health Services serves only currently enrolled Suffolk Students.  Therefore once you graduate/ withdraw/ take a leave of absence, you can no longer be seen at Health Services. 

Your insurance coverage termination date varies upon what type of health insurance plan you have. You should check with your insurance company to find out how long you are covered under your plan. 

For those students enrolled in the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP):  The SSHIP term ends in August (refer to the brochure for the termination date).  This is not an employee-type health plan and is not eligible to be extended under the COBRA regulations.  Also, remember that Massachusetts now requires all residents to have health insurance.  So, you will need to make other arrangements for health insurance once you graduate.

Click here for more information about the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law and for links to options for obtaining health

For those students who are covered under the SSHIP and have graduated,  Health Services is no longer your primary care provider.  Therefore you can see any primary care physician within the insurance’s network, and you will no longer need a referral from Health Services to see an outside provider.

For those students covered under their own insurance plan:  Please call the number on the back of your health insurance card to check on when your insurance coverage will end.  Also, remember that Massachusetts now requires all residents to have health insurance.  So, you will need to make other arrangements for health insurance once you graduate.

Click here for more information about the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law and for links to options for obtaining health 

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There is a hold placed on my registration from Health Services, what should I do?

A hold was placed on your registration because Health Services records show that you have not met all of the listed immunization requirements.  Either Health Services does not have documentation of your immunization records, the documentation is incomplete, or you are missing or have an expired immunization.  Health Services will send you notification prior to the registration period.  If you have any questions about what information Health Services is missing, please call 617-573-8260.    

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