Goshen College has overhauled its campus health accessibility by establishing formal partnerships with two local healthcare providers and introducing new virtual care options, according to an announcement from the Goshen College Health and Wellness Center.
The changes arrive as the institution removes its general student health insurance mandate for 2025 to foster equity in higher education. Patty Hartshorn, director of health and wellness at Goshen College, noted that the policy shift addresses the financial barriers many scholars face when attempting to secure private medical coverage.
New Local Partnerships Expand Affordable Care Options
Under the direction of Hartshorn, the Health and Wellness Center forged formal agreements with the Center for Healing and Hope and the Maple City Healthcare Center. These collaborations widen the network of available providers to match the financial realities and insurance statuses of a diverse student body.
The Center for Healing and Hope delivers preventive care, urgent medical services, minor procedures, general consultations, and specialty care for uninsured or vulnerable patients. Students who present their Goshen College ID card pay a $20 flat fee for consultations, while lab work and prescription medications range from $5 to $15. Additionally, the facility maintains a dedicated ride-share service for patients needing transportation to appointments.
Maple City Healthcare Center operates as a comprehensive medical facility offering preventive care, routine office visits, women’s health services, nutritional counseling, and specialist referrals. The center also features integrated behavioral and mental health services alongside an insurance counseling program designed to help patients navigate coverage options. For uninsured patients or those choosing to forgo standard insurance, Maple City Healthcare Center applies a sliding fee scale based on individual income.
Virtual Health Options and Transportation Solutions
To complement the physical clinic partnerships, Goshen College introduced new telemedicine and remote consultation services. These virtual health options ensure students can access medical and mental health support regardless of their immediate location or transportation availability.
Addressing transportation—frequently cited by students as a major hurdle in accessing off-campus treatment—the institution integrated local transit solutions. Students can use their campus ID cards to ride the local trolley free of charge to the primary medical partners. Maple City Healthcare Center sits approximately 5 kilometers north of the campus, while the Center for Healing and Hope is located about 3 kilometers north.
Insurance Mandate Adjustments and Program Exceptions
While Goshen College strongly recommends that all students maintain health insurance because the institution does not assume responsibility for medical expenses, the universal mandate was dropped to widen access for socioeconomically diverse enrollees.
Certain academic tracks continue to maintain distinct prerequisites. Programs such as nursing, varsity athletics, and specific social science courses may still require proof of personal health insurance coverage for mandatory field placements or competitive participation.