1. What prompted the College to explore partnering with a third party to operate Health Services? Why was Valley Medical Group (VMG) selected?

We want our current and future students to have expanded high-quality care that is both accessible and affordable. VMG brings an array of expertise and resources to campus and has already proven to be a valued collaborator. Their responsiveness, problem-solving nature, and eagerness to provide the best student-centered, affordable, accessible, and high-quality care possible will serve the Ramapo community well. The partnership with VMG also represents a more thoughtful investment of College resources.

2. What are the benefits of having Health Services operated by Valley Medical Group (VMG)?

VMG is a partner who can be adaptable and nimble in delivering medical services. Partnering with a third-party provider allows the College to expand and adjust services more easily based on enrollment trends, evolving student needs, and external forces (possibly another pandemic) without making long-term infrastructure or resource commitments.

Students will benefit from VMG’s expertise and expanded services. Through VMG, our students will gain access to telehealth and expanded on-site services such as PrEP, athletic physicals, and concussion clearances. VMG will also make available health services to Ramapo employees. In addition to expanded services and the ability to serve more members of the Ramapo College community, VMG will provide electronic health record systems, online scheduling, patient portals, and data analytics tools designed to enhance care coordination and service planning.

3. Are students required to have health insurance?

Yes. The College requires that all students have health insurance.

4. Will VMG bill my insurance?

Yes. A visit to Ramapo Health Services will be similar to visiting your local doctor’s office or urgent care. Just as with any healthcare provider, medical services are billed to your insurance company. VMG will collect whatever co-pay or deductible is associated with the student’s health insurance plan at the time of service so long as the carrier is accepted by VMG. Please see a list of accepted current insurance plans. The Ramapo Aetna Student Health plan is accepted by VMG.

5. What happens to students who experience lapses in insurance coverage or are out of network?

Students will not be turned away for services. The College worked closely with VMG to assess and address the potential impact on students who receive insurance through carriers VMG may not accept. VMG will develop a discounted self-pay listing of services and will offer sliding scale payment options.

Students with financial hardship will be referred to a College-established Health Assistance Fund (HAF). The HAF is being established in coordination with VMG’s Charity Care Fund and, to this end, VMG has volunteered to simplify its charity care application for Ramapo College students.

6. How will student privacy be maintained?

Students will continue to be protected by the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA). The VMG portal is password-protected and only accessible by the student. For students who use their insurance, an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) will be issued to the policy holder’s address which, for many students, is their parents’ home. For students who do not want an EOB issued for services (e.g. reproductive or sexual health services), VMG will administer a discounted self-pay option. When a student opts to use this self-pay option, the record of service will only rest in the student’s patient portal.

7. Where can I find more information such as how to make an appointment, what specific medical services will be provided, how to submit immunizations, etc.?

More details will be forthcoming in the Spring 2026 semester.

In the event of a medical emergency, please call 9-911(on-campus) or 911 (off campus).
You can also contact Ramapo College Public Safety at ext. 6666 (on-campus) or (201) 684-6666 (off campus). This will activate the Ramapo College Emergency Response System.
Health Services is NOT an Emergency Department and cannot provide the level of care that Emergency Department does.