Partnering to Improve Student Health Services
This new partnership will allow Ithaca College to utilize the strengths of CHS to better serve the wide-ranging healthcare needs of our students. As Cayuga Health at Ithaca College, we anticipate many beneficial outcomes, including but not limited to:
- Extended operational hours;
- Streamlined referral process for specialist care;
- Integrated behavioral health model that includes two behavioral health consultants (onsite) and one behavioral health/collaborative care manager (remote);
- Access to a wider range of services through CHS affiliates;
- Leveraging the expertise of CHS to create avenues for more efficient delivery of care; and
- Creating a platform for further partnerships in both health services and student learning experiences.
What this Means for Student Healthcare Costs
It is important to note that this partnership carries a significant shift in terms of how students will be billed for health services received on campus. Students will now be billed through their insurance provider for services received, just like visiting a doctor at home. As a reminder, all Ithaca College students are required to be covered under a valid health insurance plan. CHS accepts most major insurance providers; however, I strongly encourage students and families to visit this page: Cayuga-Ithaca College Participating Insurance List, and reach out to their health insurance provider for additional information regarding various inclusions and exclusions.
Ithaca College offers a health insurance option for all enrolled students through its preferred provider, University Health Plans. For students currently covered in a plan that is out-of-network or not accepted by CHS, this in-network student health plan may be a preferable option. Please visit this link for more information on the student MVP Health Plan.
Mental health counseling will continue to be provided through the college’s Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which is not part of CHS.
Join Us for Student Health Services Partnership Virtual Gatherings
For students, families and supporters seeking more information regarding Cayuga Health at Ithaca College, please join us for an upcoming virtual gathering. Ithaca College will be hosting two separate opportunities to connect with members of the Ithaca College administration, as well as representatives from Cayuga Health System and IC’s Student Health Services.
The Student Health Services Partnership Virtual Gatherings will be held on the below dates. Click on one of the links to register.
Monday, July 18 | 9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT
Wednesday, July 20 | 7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT
You may pre-submit questions by utilizing the submission box located on the linked registration page. Attendees will also be able to submit live questions during the event. A portion of the gathering will be dedicated to answering your questions.
An ASL interpreter as well as closed captioning will be available for those who require accommodation.
Additional Questions
I understand that this announcement may prompt additional questions regarding services, insurance, and other changes to the current structure of student health delivery at Ithaca College. I strongly encourage students, families and supporters to first attend one of the virtual gatherings to have your questions answered. You may also visit the following page for answers to many frequently asked questions.
Please direct all other outreach related to the student health services partnership with CHS to partnership@ithaca.edu; email questions will be answered within 48 business hours. You can also connect by phone at 607-274-3374. You will be asked to leave your full name, contact information, and a detailed message sharing your question or concern. A representative will return your call within 48 business hours; please note that the college is closed on Fridays until August 5.
As a primarily residential college, providing a robust on-campus healthcare option that is easily accessible for our students has always been a priority at IC. By entering this partnership with CHS and modernizing our healthcare model, we have ensured that present and future IC students will be able to receive the critical benefits of high-quality, on-campus healthcare services and support.
I and the whole Student Affairs team are grateful for your time and attention as we launch this important partnership in the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Prunty
Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life
