University of Georgia
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

COVID-19 and Important Health Resources available through SHIP

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At this time, the University Health Center is open for illness and injury appointments only. Please visit the University Health Center website for information regarding appointment requirements and hours of operation. Currently the Health Center is requesting that you call prior to coming to the facility so that they can address your needs efficiently and ensure your safety.

Please contact the University Health Center directly at 706-542-1162 for questions regarding access to care or other Health Center operations.

Effective 3/14/2020, United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) is temporarily waiving the UGA Health Center referral requirement for students enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). This means a student can see an outside provider for COVID-19 virus-related testing or treatment as well as any other medical services without first obtaining a referral from the University Health Center. This decision was taken to ensure UGA students are able to still access healthcare without first having to visit the University Health Center. Services received outside of the University Health Center will be paid as any other sickness subject to normal policy provisions and limitations.

All students at University System of Georgia institutions are now eligible to consult with doctors, nurses, and mental health specialists through United Healthcare Student Resources as they work through issues related to COVID-19.  These consultations are no cost for students enrolled in the USG Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and $40 for non-enrolled students. There is a 24/7 help line available for all students at no charge.

Students that have questions or concerns about whether they are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 should immediately call their healthcare provider or member services number through their insurance plan.  For students that need guidance or may not have a provider or insurance, the Georgia Department of Public Health has established a hotline. That number is: 844-442-2681.

Services available for ALL students

Telehealth Services

  • Telehealth services (on-line or by phone doctor’s visits) are available for all students through United Healthcare Student Resources HealthiestYou program by Teladoc.  Download the HealthiestYou mobile app, call 1-855-870-5858, or go online at www.telehelp4students.com. 
  • Telehealth services are available at no charge to students enrolled in the USG Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
  • Students not enrolled in the SHIP program pay $40 per visit.
  • Behavioral Health Visits
    • Students enrolled in the SHIP program have access to licensed therapists and psychologists at no charge at www.telehelp4students.com.
    • Students not enrolled in the SHIP program have access to licensed therapists and psychologists through www.betterhelp.com for a monthly charge of $180.

Optum Support Line

  • To support students who may be experiencing anxiety or stress following the recent developments around COVID-19, UHCSR is offering an Emotional-Support Help Line, through Optum, providing access to specially trained mental health specialists.
  • Optum’s toll-free help line number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary. The service is free of charge to all students.

Additional information for Students enrolled in the USG SHIP program

Access to Medical Care/Coverage

  • If a student thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms of the disease, they should immediately call a provider. To find a network provider, visit www.uhcsr.com/MyAccountor utilize their UHCSR mobile app.
  • All testing for COVID-19 will be covered by UHCSR at no charge.
  • Additional updates will be made on United Healthcare Student Resources website at:  www.uhcsr.com/news-main.

Student Assistance Program

The USG SHIP program offers a student assistance program through Optum which provides a wide range of resources to students telephonically. The phone number is available on your UHCSR Mobile App or your www.uhcsr.com/MyAccount.

  • Counseling — 24/7 access to crisis intervention services and confidential counseling from licensed clinicians.
  • LiveAndWorkWell.com — health risk assessments, health/fitness calculators, and other helpful resources.
  • Legal and Financial Services — provides help with issues such as credit card debt, divorce, child custody, and shelter from abusive relationships.
  • Mediation — access to a national network of mediators to help resolve family-related disputes such as divorce, separation, child custody, visitation, and support.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at 706-542-2222 or gshiplan@uga.edu.