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 can serve as your primary care physician. 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 am a new Law student, what paperwork do I need to submit to Health Services before I arrive?

1.  Obtain documentation of immunizations and send to Health & Wellness Services.  Click here for the immunization requirements for Suffolk.  Visit the Health & Wellness Services website regularly because the state of Massachusetts is in the process of adding additional required immunizations to the list, and this may affect you.

2.  Complete the Health History & Immunization form and send to Health Services.  It is important that we have your immunization records and health information on file and available in case you are involved in an accident, illness or injury.  Failure to comply with this regulation will result in the student being blocked from registering for classes.

3. Enroll or Waive the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP).  If you are waiving the SSHIP, please see the waiver eligibility requirements.

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What type of health insurance coverage do I need at Suffolk?

To comply with Massachusetts state law, all Suffolk students (domestic and international) who are enrolled in 9 credits or more per semester must have health insurance.  

The Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) is a health insurance plan that meets a specific level of benefits as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  If you are enrolled in 9 or more credits you will be automatically enrolled in the SSHIP, although if you are already covered under an existing comparable U.S.-based insurance plan you can waive** the SSHIP enrollment online.

If you are already covered by a comparable insurace plan provided by a U.S. based carrier, you must complete and submit the online waiver form, annualy, in order to decline the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP).   If you do not complete this form before the last day of the Add/Drop period you will automatically be enrolled in the SSHIP for the remainder of the policy year and will be responsible for the cost of that insurance.  Please make sure that you print out and save the waiver confirmation page, as this will be the only proof you have that you waived the insurance.  If you are not sure if your current insurance plan is eligible, please click here for waiver eligibility.

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Do I need to purchase health insurance if I have a dependent (child or spouse)?

Dependents are required by law to have health insurance, but are not required to have the Suffolk Student Health insurance Plan (SSHIP); only the student is required to purchase the SSHIP. Since only students may be treated at Health Services, students should locate a physician or clinic for their dependents as soon as possible so that if/when they become ill or injured, they know where to go for health care.

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

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. 

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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?

Health & Wellness Services serves only currently enrolled Suffolk Students. 

Graduating students:  Once you have graduated, you are no longer eligible to use Health & Wellness Services as a care provider, regardless of insurance coverage. Please refer to your health insurance carrier for a list of providers available to you after graduation. If a graduating student is enrolled in the SSHIP, you will need to purchase an alternative form of health insurance for coverage after the August expiration date.  The SSHIP cannot be extended.  For more information about what to do regarding health insurance coverage click here.

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. 

***Important: Students who are enrolled for less than 9 credits are not eligible for the SSHIP.  If you anticipate dropping below 9 credits at any time please contact our office immediately to discuss your options.

 

For those LAW students enrolled in the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP):  The SSHIP term ends August 10th.  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 your SSHIP policy ends.  Students can stay enrolled in SSHIP after graduation through the end of the policy year, the only change is the student cannot recieve health services at Suffolk Health & Wellness.

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.

 

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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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