Health Insurance Navigator

Helping students and families navigate the complex landscape of health insurance coverage.

In an emergency (link is a phone number)call 911 or call Ithaca College Public Safety AT ((link is a phone number)607) 274-3333.
This includes medical, mental health, and alcohol/drug-related emergencies.

The Health Insurance Navigator helps to support students and families better understand their health insurance coverage so that they can make informed decisions regarding their healthcare options and services received at Ithaca College's on-campus Hammond Health Center.

Through individual counseling and direct correspondence with students and families, the Health Insurance Navigator can help you navigate the complex landscape of health insurance in a variety of ways.

Health Insurance Support

  • The Health Insurance Navigator will be available for both individual consultation sessions and will also conduct periodic community presentations to help students and families understand the basics of heath insurance coverage.
  • Educate on key concepts such as: deductibles, co-payments, premiums, and out-of-network coverage.
  • Educate about what is and isn't covered under a valid insurance plan to help students and families better determine cost of care. 
  • Educate students about the health insurance claim process and provide aid in submitting claims.
  • Develop educational documents, materials and other resources to support student's understanding of health insurance.
About Deanne Poitras - Health Insurance Navigator

I am an Ithacan transplant of over 20 years. I moved here with my husband and son in 2003. I have been in the healthcare system since 2017 and came to Cayuga Health in 2020. Over the years I have learned, either through personal experiences or professional contacts, that insurance is always evolving and changing and sometimes you need an inside contact. That is where I come in. I want our students and family members to be secure in knowledge that I'm here to help whether through one-on-one meetings, video chats via zoom, email or phone conversations.

Contact the Health Insurance Navigator

Do you have a question about your insurance coverage or require some assistance? Contact Student Health Services and request support from the Health Insurance Navigator.