Policies & Forms

Insurance waiver

All degree seeking undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in six or more credit hours, and international, graduate, and PhD/EdD students enrolled in one or more credit hours are required to enroll or waive the health insurance annually at FirstStudent.com. The waiver site will open December 1, 2022. The deadline to waive is January 24, 2023.

For more information about the waiver process see the Policies and Forms page and FirstStudent.com. Please contact First Risk Advisors customer service 267-356-6090 or email CustomerService@FirstRiskAdvisors.com with questions or concerns.

WAIVER INFORMATION

If an eligible student is insured and has American-based ACA compliant health insurance coverage under another plan, they must complete and submit an Insurance Waiver Form online.

Students are required to submit a waiver each academic year, as it is only valid for one year.

DECLINED WAIVER INFORMATION

If a student receives a declined waiver, this could be for many reasons. The most common reasons a waiver would be declined include: coverage is not active or coverage is not comparable to the University-sponsored plan. 

If your waiver application was denied after being in a pending state, please contact First Risk Advisors by email at waiver@firstriskadvisors.com with all of the following information to have your waiver request reviewed further:

1. Current Health Insurance ID card (front & back)
2. Certificate of insurance showing full policy benefit  

Only providing a copy of your health insurance ID card is not sufficient. All documentation requested above will need to be submitted for review.

If students have questions regarding their waiver status, please contact United Healthcare Student Resources at waiver@firstriskadvisors.com.

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

If a student wants to purchase the insurance and actively enroll during the open enrollment period, they will have access to their insurance card and information as soon as they enroll. 

Due to HIPAA regulations, students will need to contact First Risk Advisors directly with any questions or concerns, as they will not be able to provide any personal information to anyone other than the student. 

The following questions will be asked on the waiver form:

1. Coverage Limits: Does your health insurance policy provide unlimited coverage for all ACA (Affordable Care Act) essential benefits including prescription drug coverage, preventive care, and pre-existing conditions without any limitations or waiting periods?

2. Inpatient: My plan provides inpatient care including room and board, hospital services and surgeon fees in the Philadelphia area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware only). Coverage for emergency only care does NOT satisfy this requirement.

3. Outpatient: My plan provides outpatient care including day surgery fees, surgeon fees, physician visits and physiotherapy in the Philadelphia area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware only). Coverage for emergency only care does NOT satisfy this requirement.

4. Laboratory and X-ray Benefit: My plan includes coverage for laboratory tests and radiology in the Philadelphia area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware only). Coverage for emergency only care does NOT satisfy this requirement.

5. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment: My plan provides for inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment care up to 30 days in the Philadelphia area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware only). Coverage for emergency only care does NOT satisfy this requirement.

6. Prescription coverage: My plan or separate prescription policy provides coverage for the purchase of medications.

7. Coverage period: My plan is currently in force, will remain in force (or renew) until 08/14/2023 (or beyond). I understand that if I lose coverage through no fault of my own during the school year, I am required to contact First Risk Advisors to enroll in the school-sponsored Injury and Sickness Plan (SHIP) or provide proof of enrollment in a comparable plan.

8. I understand that my insurance information will be audited monthly. I understand that I am responsible for reporting any changes in my health insurance coverage immediately to First Risk Advisors. Important Note: If an individual loses their health care insurance they have 30 days to join another health insurance plan. Beyond 30 days one needs to wait until open enrollment and will not be able to obtain healthcare coverage during that gap period. 

Additional questions for international students:

1. My Policy is provided by a company or government agency that is a U.S. carrier or entity that is approved to do business in the U.S. and compliant with all guidelines of the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and;.

2. My carrier has a filed and approved health insurance policy with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Insurance or has a sponsored insurance plan that meets the waiver standards.

3. My Current plan is either a U.S. Employer plan or a government sponsored insurance plan.

Once a student has submitted a waiver, they will receive a confirmation email to their SJU email account stating that their waiver has been approved or denied. There is a verification process to confirm that a waiver is acceptable. It is important that you obtain the email verifying your health insurance plan has either been approved or denied.

Additionally, there will be monthly audits to ensure that students maintain adequate coverage throughout the year. If, at any point, coverage is not comparable to the University-sponsored plan, the student is responsible for reporting any changes to First Risk Advisors and enrolling in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or providing proof of enrollment in a comparable plan.

For more information about the insurance plan please go to www.firststudent.com. 

If interested in information about the Affordable Cares Act, please visit Healthcare.gov.

Eligibility

All current students are eligible to receive services at the Student Health Center (SHC). Students are subject to all requirements of the SHC (including completion of the Student Health Form). All visits and consultations are confidential in accordance with HIPAA Federal Regulations.

Services

• Nursing assessment and treatment of illness and injury, referral for further evaluation by a physician or nurse practitioner.
• Health and wellness information.
• Men’s and women's health services, confidential consultation with clinicians, STI testing and treatment.
• Student’s questions/concerns and treatment regarding sexual health issues, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy, reproductive health, or alcohol / drug / tobacco problems will be answered or treated in a nonjudgemental, caring manner. The medical providers may treat or prescribe medication directly or assist the student in seeking help from a specialist or another appropriate medical provider/resource in the Philadelphia area. All conversations between students and the health care providers are confidential.
• Nutritional Counseling for students with conditions such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal conditions, adverse effects from medications, and weight gain or weight loss.
• Health related consultations, i.e. hypertension, weight-control, nutritional counseling, and sleep issues. Health related consultations, i.e. hypertension, weight-control, nutritional counseling, and sleep issues.
• Students who need services beyond the scope of the Student Health Center will be referred to appropriate healthcare providers or facilities as necessary. These healthcare providers/facilities will bill the student’s insurance.
• Tampons and liners are available in the Student Health Center bathroom.
• The Student Health Centers do not function as pharmacies and therefore do not dispense or distribute prescription medications.

Fees

A $20 deposit is required for crutches, when the crutches are returned the deposit will be reimbursed. Students are responsible for payments for referrals to outside healthcare providers or healthcare facilities.

Vaccine-preventable diseases continue to occur on American campuses. Based on the recommendations of the American College Health Association (ACHA) Vaccine Preventable Diseases Committee and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Saint Joseph’s University requires the following immunizations:

Required Immunizations

• COVID-19 vaccine – Series of 2 doses of Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax COVID-19, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson (Jansen). See below for WHO approved COVID-19 vaccines.
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) – Immunization with two doses of MMR, given on or after the first birthday and separated by at least one month. A Surface antibody titer (IGg) proving immunity is required for All students in Clinical Professional Programs. Attach lab results.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria– Three doses of tetanus/diphtheria are required with a booster given within the past ten years.
• Polio– Three doses; Booster only if needed for travel.
• Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine (conjugated) – One dose, on or after age 16 years, is required for students living in University-owned housing (Pennsylvania State Law). Students must complete a written waiver if declining meningitis vaccination.
• Varicella Vaccine (Chicken Pox): Two doses of varicella-containing vaccine at least 12 weeks apart if vaccinated between 1 and 12 years of age and at least 4 weeks apart if vaccinated at age 13 years or older. Students in the Clinical Professional Programs who have never received the varicella vaccine must obtain a surface antibody titer (IGg) proving immunity. Attach Lab Result.
• Tuberculosis Testing (within the past year) - Recommended for all students;  REQUIRED for:
  • Students in the Education Majors and Clinical Professional Programs
  • Anyone who has lived in or visited South America, Central America,
    Easter Europe, Asia or Africa in the last 5 years
  • Students in contact with a known case
  • A QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QTF) or T-Spot test is the recommended method for TB infection screening. PPD’s will only be accepted for low risk students in the education program.
• Hepatitis B – Series of 3 doses; 0, 1-2mo., 6-12 months. A surface antibody titer (IGg) is required for all students in the Clinical Professional Programs. If the initial titer result is Negative/Non-Reactive, the student must repeat the 3 dose Hepatitis B vaccine series and obtain another Hepatitis B titer one month after the last dose (3#) is received.
  Attach lab results.

Immunization records must be complete and on file in the Student Health Center in order to register for classes. For religious or medical exemptions for non-COVID-19 vaccines, please email the Student Health Center at health@sju.edu. For religious or medical exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine, see the below information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

Recommended Immunizations

• Hepatitis A – Series of 2 doses; 0, 6-12 months.
• Gardasil 9 Human Papillomavirus 9-Valent Vaccine, Recombiant
• Meningococcal B vaccine
  • Bexsero: Series of 2 doses
  • Trumenba: Series of 3 doses

The Student Health Center is sponsoring a Flu and COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Clinic Wednesdays, October 19, October 26, and November 2, 2022 from 11-1 in The Perch on Hawk Hill Campus, and Wilson Rooms 205/208 on University City campus. Schedule an appointment online at http://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/clinical-experience Organization code Hawk Hill: qotcxm, University City: bnynzp. Bring your insurance card, ID, and COVID-19 vaccination card if receiving the booster.

COVID-19 VACCINE REQUIREMENT FOR ALL STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF

The health and safety of our entire campus community are of paramount importance. We also desire to return fully to a more normal and vibrant on-campus experience, with limited need for testing, isolation, and other mitigation efforts. Accordingly, the University will require all students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before participating in any on-campus activity related to the 2022-23 academic year. If you are unable to obtain the vaccine in your current location, we will help you do so when you arrive in Philadelphia. 

As of July 1, 2022, WHO has listed the following COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use:

• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines (e.g., COMIRNATY, Tozinameran)
• AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccines (e.g., Covishield, Vaxzevria)
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine
• Moderna (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine
• Sinopharm (Covilo) COVID-19 vaccine
• Sinovac (CoronaVac) COVID-19 vaccine
• Bharat Biotech Covaxin
• Oxford/ AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
• CanSino Convidecia
• Novavax Nuvaxovid
• Serum Institute of India COVOVAX (Novavax formulation)

COVID-19 vaccines not authorized by FDA but listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO): People who have received all recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine that is listed for emergency use by WHO do not need any additional doses with an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. People who have not received all the recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine listed for emergency use by WHO may be offered a complete FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine series.

COVID-19 vaccines neither authorized by FDA nor listed for emergency use by World Health Organization (WHO): People who received all or some of the recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine that is neither authorized by FDA nor listed for emergency use by WHO may be offered a complete FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine series. The minimum interval between the last dose of a non-FDA authorized vaccine or a WHO-listed vaccine and an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine is 28 days. Only people who have received all recommended doses of an FDA-authorized or WHO-listed COVID-19 vaccine are considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of public health guidance. The Centers for Disease Control website has many resources for students and families to research the safety, efficacy and benefits of vaccination.

COVID-19 VACCINE MEDICAL & RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS

Per the City of Philadelphia higher education vaccine requirements, all medical exemption requests must include a statement signed by a licensed healthcare provider (i.e., a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant licensed by an authorized state licensing board) explaining the medical facts as to why the COVID-19 vaccine is contraindicated for your specific medical condition and that the exemption applies to you.

For students, the medical documentation will be reviewed by the Student Health Center medical staff and you will be informed whether or not it meets the University and City of Philadelphia medical exemption standard via email. For employees, the medical documentation will be reviewed by a contracted medical provider and you will be informed whether or not it meets the University and City of Philadelphia medical exemption standard via email. Medical information will not be shared with others at the University.

If you still desire to claim a religious exemption, you are required to submit an exemption request and must provide which religion you follow (please note nearly all major religions and denominations have no prohibition against vaccinations including Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Amish, Anglican, Baptist, Church of the Later Day Saints, Congregational, Episcopalian, Jehovah’s Witness, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Quaker, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Seventh-Day Adventist, Unitarian-Universalist, Hinduism, Islam, Jianism, Judaism, and Scientiology). In addition, you must provide a written statement describing the specific relevant tenants of your sincerely held religious belief that prevent you from receiving the vaccination. Your request for a religious exemption will be reviewed by the Office of Mission and you will be informed whether or not it meets the University standard.

Resources:

CDC Vaccines & Immunizations

Hawk Hill Ahead

New Student Requirements

Meningitis Information

• In March 2011 the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices issued a new vaccine recommendation for meningitis. The update recommends a booster dose of meningococcal meningitis vaccine (conjugated) on/after 16 years of age. If students received the initial dose of vaccine on/after age 16 years, no booster dose is recommended.
• Students/Parents are asked to contact their primary care provider regarding the need for a booster dose.

One of the goals of the Student Health Center (SHC) is to provide all students with high-quality healthcare in a manner that clearly recognizes individual needs and rights. To effectively accomplish this goal, it is necessary for students and health care providers to work together. To that end, the following rights and responsibilities must be recognized and safe guarded.

As a student you have the following RIGHTS:

• To receive care and treatment with courtesy, respect, privacy and consideration.
• To receive information in terms that you can understand and to have any questions answered concerning your diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and any associated risks.
• To refuse to be examined or treated by health practitioners and to be informed of the consequences of such decisions.
• To be referred to an alternative health care source when appropriate or upon request.
• To participate actively in decisions regarding your health care and treatment.
• To know the identity of your health care provider.
• To review any medical records created and maintained by the SHC regarding your care and treatment, and to request amendments to these records in consultation with your health care provider.
• To have your medical record kept confidential and be released only with appropriate personal authorization/signed written release.
• To file a grievance with the administration of the SHC if you feel any of these rights have been violated.

As a student you have the following RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To show courtesy and consideration for the SHC staff.
• To provide complete information about immunizations, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and allergies to enable proper evaluation and treatment by clinicians.
• To ask questions or request clarification if needed to ensure that there is an adequate understanding of your health problem or treatment.
• To follow instructions concerning medications, follow-up visits, and other essential steps in our treatment plan, and to notify your provider if the plan cannot be followed, condition worsens or an unexpected reaction occurs.
• To keep scheduled appointments or cancel within a reasonable time ahead so that another person may be given that time slot.
• To be respectful of other patients’ privacy and confidentiality.
• To accept responsibility for any charges incurred with any health care provider outside of the SHC.

You may direct any concerns about Rights and Responsibilities to the Director of the Student Health Center.

Saint Joseph’s University Student Health Center does not provide medical excuse notes for students due to illness, injury and/or mental health problems that may lead to missed classes, exams or academic deadlines.

It is the student’s responsibility to inform the professor prior to the missed class, just as the student would be expected to inform their place of employment prior to the start of their work day. It is also the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for missed class work or collecting missed notes of lectures or other assignments as necessary.

Just as Saint Joseph's strives to grow students of competence and character, the Student Health Center encourages students to make healthy and mature decisions when they are sick. This includes healthy eating, adequate sleeping, following medical advice, and possibly missing classes when ill.

All decisions about the impact of an absence and arrangements for making up missed work must be determined between the professor and student.

The goal of the Student Health Center is to provide care to as many sick or injured students as possible rather than spending time verifying short term medical absences. This policy is consistent with recommendations from the American College Health Association and is similar to policies at other peer universities.

Assistance with ongoing illness or injury

Any student with an illness, injury, hospitalization or mental health problem requiring multiple absences should contact the Student Health Center. The Health Center will help facilitate communication with Student Success and / or Student Disability Services.

The Student Health Center maintains a strict policy of confidentiality to safeguard the privacy of your personal and health information. This is an essential component of quality health care and is required by law.

Every undergraduate student has a confidential health record that is maintained in the Student Health Center during your student years and is kept on file for seven years after the conclusion of the academic year last enrolled by the student. ELS student;s health records are retained for seven years after the last date that service was rendered. The Student Health Center does not release personal health information to anyone without your written authorization including faculty, administration, family members, fellow students, employers, etc. Exceptions include life-threatening illness/injury or those reasons required by law such as court subpoena or public health reporting requirements.

Download the Authorization for Release of Confidential Health Information form.

Please click on the link below to view the entire consent form.

Medication Administration Consent Form For a Minor and Licensed Prescriber Order