SHIP Benefits

It is important to find out if a referral is needed when you need care from a provider outside of Gannett. Asking the question will help you maximize your coverage under the SHIP. The SHIP Member's Guide (pdf) provides detailed information about referrals, in-network providers, and out-of-network providers. 

To receive care from a health care provider in the Ithaca area

• When you are in the Ithaca area and need health care, you must use the resources of Gannett Health Services first. Gannett is your primary care provider.
• If your care cannot be provided at Gannett, your primary care provider at Gannett may refer you to a specialist in the community. Whenever you need care from a non-Gannett provider in the Ithaca area, you must obtain a written referral from a Gannett clinician. To receive the maximum benefit for services covered by the SHIP in the Ithaca area, you must have a referral to an in-network provider.
• If you have just enrolled in the SHIP and are receiving care for a medical condition, you must make an appointment at Gannett to establish a relationship with a primary care physician. If necessary, s/he will provide a referral to an in-network provider for specialty care.
• If you have been continuously enrolled in the SHIP and are receiving care from an in-network provider, a new referral is required each plan year for ongoing treatment to be covered. Talk with your primary care provider before the new plan year begins (August 17) to discuss a new referral.  

No referral is necessary for

• An emergency medical condition (see definition in Member's Guide); however, FOLLOW-UP care must be provided at Gannett or by Gannett referral to a specialist. Contact the Gannett Referral Manager (254-7409) for more information. This is especially important if you are about to graduate, as Gannett can not see patients beyond 1 week after graduation.
• Maternity care
• Two annual GYN exams and one routine Pap smear for women age 18 and older
• Care received when outside the Ithaca area. We encourage you to discuss your needs with a Gannett health care provider. Call 607 255-5155.  

Note: Gannett is closed for the following holidays: 

• Thanksgiving weekend (Thursday through Sunday)
• December 25 to January 1 (and adjacent weekend days)
• Memorial Day in May
• Independence Day in July
  

To receive care from a health care provider when you are away from Ithaca  

When you are away from Ithaca, you do not need a referral to seek Preferred Care from Aetna's Open Choice PPO network or to seek Non-Preferred Care. 

You can locate a provider using Aetna’s DocFind Service at www.aetna.com/docfind. Be sure to include the zip code of the area where services will be received and to select Aetna Standard Open Choice PPO as the health plan type.