Beginning July 1, 2026, Kent State and the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) are partnering to strengthen student health services and expand access to high-quality, patient-centered care.
The following FAQs outline what students and campus community members can expect as DeWeese Health Center transitions to NEOMED Health Care LLC leadership and how this change will support a more seamless healthcare experience on campus.
As part of the university’s ongoing commitment to student success and fiscal sustainability, the Division of Student Life is restructuring student healthcare services through a strategic partnership between Kent State and NEOMED, via NEOMED Health Care.
NEOMED’s expertise in patient-centered care and student-centered education aligns with Kent State’s mission to provide a holistic student experience. This partnership with NEOMED Health Care will enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare for Kent State students while also expanding educational and service opportunities for both institutions.
The partnership begins on July 1, 2026. The transition will occur in phases to ensure that student healthcare remains uninterrupted.
No. Students will continue to receive care throughout the transition.
Updates will be shared on the DeWeese Health Center website, by email and through campus communication channels.
All students, faculty, staff and Kent community members can still utilize the healthcare services provided at DeWeese Health Center. See below for a description of services and fees based on enrollment and insurance status.
NEOMED Health Care will offer comprehensive primary care, acute care, preventive services, psychiatry, general gynecological and women’s healthcare, travel medicine and vaccines and pharmacist-led medication therapy management.
Telehealth services will be available, and medical records will transition to the Epic electronic medical record (EMR) system that will enable access to information through the MyChart portal. NEOMED Health Care will staff the center with board-certified physicians and advanced practice professionals to ensure high-quality care.
No. You are free to select any pharmacy that best meets your needs.
Your care will be provided by NEOMED Health Care’s team of healthcare professionals, including board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners and other qualified clinical staff. You’ll still receive high-quality, student-centered, evidence-based care from experienced medical providers.
If outside care or a medical specialist is needed, appropriate referrals will be provided. The Student Health Fee described below does not apply to care provided outside of DeWeese Health Center.
Starting fall 2026, all Kent Campus students, except, students enrolled in study away/study abroad programs, College Credit Plus, Kent State Online, College of Podiatric Medicine, Dissertation I and II, and students participating in study-away or education-abroad programs, will be charged a Student Health Fee each fall and spring semester. The fee amount is based on how many credit hours you’re taking and will appear as a separate line on your student account/bill.
Students enrolled in summer courses, excluding students enrolled in study away/study abroad programs, College Credit Plus, Kent State Online, College of Podiatric Medicine, Dissertation I and Dissertation II, and students participating in study-away or education-abroad programs, will not be assessed a summer Student Health Fee but will still have unlimited access to the health center.
Undergraduate Students
Graduate Students
Students paying the fee will receive access to visits to the health center without the need to present a co-pay at the time of service. For those students who carry medical insurance, your policy will be billed as it would in any other care setting.
For those students who are uninsured or who choose to be self-pay, care will be provided within the clinic at standard rates. For those students who are uninsured and for whom the cost of services would cause financial hardship, the care outlined above will be provided so long as the student attests that they do not have insurance and the cost of care would result in a financial hardship. Any outside referrals for testing, medication, imaging or other diagnostic tests will require payment to the outside provider and are not covered by the Health Access Fee.
The students who are not charged the Student Health Fee will still have access to healthcare on campus but will be required to pay a co-pay per visit and other standard fees determined at the time of service. For those students who are uninsured and have not paid the Student Health Fee, care and payment alternatives will be presented at the time of service.
For summer 2026, students enrolled in summer courses, excluding students enrolled in study away/study abroad programs, College Credit Plus, Kent State Online, College of Podiatric Medicine, Dissertation I and II, and students participating in study-away or education-abroad programs, will not be assessed a Student Health Fee but will still have access to the health center. The Student Health Fee will go into effect in fall 2026.
The Student Health Fee is an access fee, not a health insurance policy. The fee will provide students with access to acute, primary and preventive care without the concern of presenting a co-pay at the time of treatment. The Student Health Fee does not cover referrals or any care, testing, medications or referrals provided outside of DeWeese Health Center.
NEOMED Health Care accepts more than 30 insurance plans, both in-network and out-of-network. Please call us or contact your insurance company to confirm whether NEOMED Health Care is in-network with your plan and to determine what is covered by your plan as well as information on deductibles and coinsurance amounts.
Please bring a copy of your insurance card and student ID with you when you come to receive any type of health services from NEOMED Health Care.
If you do not have health insurance coverage: Please contact us to discuss options. You also can explore marketplace plans at www.healthcare.gov.
Yes. All eligible Kent Campus students pay the Student Health Fee per semester, regardless of whether they carry personal health insurance. The fee is an access guarantee to on-campus care.
The Student Health Fee allows students to receive treatment without the concern of paying a co-pay at the time of treatment. All other charges for services provided by NEOMED Health Care at DeWeese Health Center will be based on your insurance coverage.
As described elsewhere, for students who carry medical insurance, their policy will be billed as it would in any other care setting. For those students who choose to self-pay or are uninsured and for whom the cost of services would cause financial hardship, the care outlined above will be provided so long as the student attests that they do not have insurance and the cost of care would result in a financial hardship. Any outside referrals, testing, medication or other diagnostic tests will require payment outside of the Student Health Fee.
NEOMED Health Care will be working with United Health Care to establish the current provisions of this policy throughout the billing entity or Management Services Organization. Further details will be forthcoming.
Yes, all enrolled students will be assessed the Student Health Fee based on the number of credits being taken. Student groups excluded from the fee include College Credit Plus, Kent State Online, College of Podiatric Medicine, Dissertation I and Dissertation II and or students participating in study-away or education-abroad programs.
Refunds: Refunds for the Student Health Fee follow the same refund schedule as noted on the policy register 7-06:
Waiver: There is no waiver option for the Student Health Fee.
NEOMED Health Care accepts more than 30 insurance plans, both in-network and out-of-network. Please call us or contact your insurance company to confirm whether NEOMED Health Care is in-network with your plan and to determine what is covered by your plan as well as information on deductibles and coinsurance amounts.
You will be able to schedule an appointment in the way that’s easiest for you: online, through MyChart, by phone or by visiting the health center’s front desk.
NEOMED Health Care is open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
If you need help after hours or in an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency care center right away. Your safety comes first, and emergency services are available when the health center is closed.
Your current medical records will stay secure. NEOMED Health Care can access them only if you give permission. Once you do, your records will be transferred into the Epic electronic medical records system so your providers can continue your care smoothly.
Yes. Federal and state laws require that all medical records remain confidential.
Some providers may remain; others may be new. However, all providers will be board-certified and advanced practice professionals to ensure high-quality care.
Your care will continue without interruption. Providers will coordinate ongoing treatment, refills and specialty referrals as needed.
Students will continue to have access to counseling, crisis care and mental health services through Kent State’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Access to psychiatric assessment and care will continue to be available at DeWeese Health Center through NEOMED Health Care.
No. Students currently in therapy will continue receiving care. Any provider or scheduling changes will be communicated directly.
For all additional questions you may regarding this transition, your care or your access to care, please email the Office of the Dean of Students at ODOS@kent.edu.