International Student

Gannett extends a personal greeting to all international students, both graduate and undergraduate, as well as their spouses/partners and children. Our staff are committed to providing you services that are sensitive, confidential, and responsive to your needs. 

We understand that adjusting to a new community and seeking health care in a country where the philosophy and approach may seem quite different from what you are accustomed to at home, can feel challenging, and at times, uncomfortable. Gannett staff are conscious of the diversity of the Cornell population and we do our best to assist. 

It is our hope that the information we provide here will broaden your understanding of health care in the US and respond to some of the common concerns international students have. Gannett offers a range of medical, counseling and health promotion services that can support you in your academic pursuits and in your enjoyment of life at Cornell. 

We invite you to browse this web site to learn more about our services and following topics:

• What's the philosophy of the US health care system?
• How can you make a medical appointment at Gannett?   
• Who provides support for your emotional health? 
• What are the commonly questions asked about health care?
• What services are provided for spouses/ partners, and children? 
• How does US health insurance work? 
• What do you need to know about dental care?

Additionally, information is provided below on the following list of topics:

Confidentiality   
Patient Advocacy         
The ISSO Newsletter 
Health Resources for Women and Children
Resources for spouses and same-sex partners of students

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Confidentiality

We want you to feel comfortable seeking the care you need without worrying about privacy issues. Please be assured that all medical care and counseling at Gannett is confidential. Health care records (including the Health History Form you submit upon entering Cornell) are separate from all other records, including academic records.

All patients who receive health care in the United States have rights and responsibilities designed to protect patient confidentiality and the greater public health. Read more about our Commitment to Confidentiality to learn how we will work with you to provide confidential services.

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Patient advocacy

At Gannett, we are engaged in a continuous process of educating ourselves and enhancing our resources to better serve international students. We welcome your assistance in this effort. Your questions, concerns, and suggestions will help us become better partners in your health care. Please feel free to contact us by email or phone.

In addition, Gannett has an "international student advocate" on staff to provide special assistance to international students. Jan Talbot is a health educator with over 20 years of experience at Gannett and with Cornell students of diverse backgrounds. She is closely connected with Cornell staff and faculty who work with international students and their families.

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ISSO newsletter

Throughout the year, we will provide you with updates and health news through the on-line newsletter and news lists producted by Cornell International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).  We encourage you to email your questions or suggestions for articles to Jan Talbot, Gannett's international student advocate.

Services for spouses and/or same-sex partners and children

Gannett offers medical services for your spouse or same-sex partner. If you have children, we recommend that you identify a pediatrician in the area to be their primary care provider. Our staff can help you locate a pediatrician in Ithaca.  

Finding a Pediatrician

A list of physicians is available at the Cornell Office of Student Health Insurance and in the Yellow Pages of the  Ithaca phone book. You may also wish to consult the pediatricians noted in Cayuga Medical Center's list of medical providers.

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Health resources for women and children

The Tompkins County Heath Department provides several services for women and children including: 

• Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program: provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to community services for low-income pregnant and post-partum women, and their children who are under five years of age. Breastfeeding support also is available.  Call 607 274-6644 for more information.
• Immunization Clinics: Children ages six weeks to 18 years may receive at no charge, routine childhood immunizations: DPT(diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis), Polio, Hib (Haemophilus influenza type B), Hepatitis B, Influenza, MMR, (measles, mumps, reubella), Pneumococcal Prevnar, Td (tetanus, diphtheria), varicella (chickenpox). Call 607-274-6644 for clinic dates and locations.
• Medicaid Obstetrical and Maternal Services(MOMS): Women and teens who are pregnant and do not have insurance that will cover the full cost of their pregnancy, and who meet certain income guidelines can receive complete medical care during pregnancy, delivery, and for at least two months after delivery. The program provides assistance in obtaining a physician, accessing Medicaid, WIC and other community services and programs. You may be eligible even if you have health insurance. Call 607 274-6622 for more information.
• Children with Special Care Needs (CSCN):  It is the goal of CSCN to ensure family access to comprehensive, appropriate, family-centered, community-based services which focus on the child's individual needs related to physical disabilities or developmental delays. Call 607-274-6644 for information.

New York State Special Health Coverage

• NY State's Health Care Coverage for Uninsured Children and Teens
  New York State provides health insurance to children through Medicaid and Child Health Plus. In order to be eligible for enrollment, a child must be under the age of 19, a resident of the State of New York, and a U.S. citizen. Whether a child qualifies for Child Health Plus or Medicaid depends on family income. Children who are not eligible for Medicaid can enroll in Child Health Plus if they don't have other health insurance and are not eligible for coverage under the public employees' state health benefits plan.
  
  A child born in the U.S. (regardless of the parents' immigration status) is considered a U.S. citizen and may be eligible for this program. However, eligibility criteria for children born elsewhere are more complicated. The majority of Cornell's international students and their dependents are here on non-immigrant visas (e,g, "F" or "J") and therefore not eligible for Medicaid and Child Health Plus unless they are in the process of applying for permanent resident status.
  
  Because eligibility is complex, we encourage you to call the Mothers and Babies Agency directly in order to understand more fully how this program may (or may not) be of service to your family: 1-800-231-0744
  
• NY State's Health Care Coverage for Uninsured Adults
  Family Health Plus is New York State's public health insurance program for adults age 19-64 who do not have health insurance coverage either on their own or through their employer, but have incomes or resources too high to qualify for Medicaid.  Family Health Plus is available to single adults, couples without children, and parents with limited income who are residents of New York State, and are U.S. citizens or fall under certain immigration categories.  (The majority of Cornell's international students are here on non-immigrant visas (e.g., "F" or "J") and therefore are not eligible for Family Health Plus.) 
  
  Family Health Plus provides comprehensive coverage, including prevention, primary care, hospitalization, prescriptions and other services. There are minimal co-payments for some Family Health Plus services. Health care is provided through participating managed care plans in your area.
  
  Because eligibility is complex, we encourage you to call the Mothers and Babies Agency at 1-800-231-0744 or the Tompkins County Department of Social Services at 607-274-5252 in order to understand more fully how this program may (or may not) be of service to you or others in your family.