The HUGHP Advantage
The HUGHP Advantage
Thank you for your interest in the Harvard University Group Health Plan! Whether you are exploring your health insurance options for the first time or you are a current member considering renewal, the Harvard University Group Health Plan (HUGHP—pronounced HUE-P) is here for you every step of the way. With HUGHP, you receive more than just quality coverage—you gain a partner invested in your health and wellbeing today, tomorrow, and for as long as you are a HUGHP member.
We recognize that this page may not address every question you have. Our dedicated team is here to support you, provide answers, and help you make informed, confident decisions about your health insurance. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime at (617) 495-2008, mservices@huhs.harvard.edu, or by scheduling a Zoom meeting by emailing us to request a virtual appointment.
A message from Dr. Giang Nguyen, Executive Director of Harvard University Health Services
A Director's Welcome
Dear Harvard Colleagues,
No one makes plans to get sick or hurt, but most of us will need medical care for prevention, chronic disease management, or unexpected moments. Having the right health insurance is important, and there are many factors to consider.
As you review your medical plan options as a new employee or during open enrollment, I encourage you to consider the Harvard University Group Health Plan (HUGHP).
HUGHP's focused adult PCP network enables more affordable premiums while still offering access to the full range of Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO Blue specialists and pediatricians. Go through our website and new member collateral to learn more about what we can deliver for you. We are happy to answer your questions and address your concerns.
The HUGHP Member Services team is passionate about guiding members through complex insurance matters. Like you, they are also Harvard employees, so they combine years of insurance know-how with direct experience as members of the University community. The team is proud and honored to provide guidance to our colleagues, friends, and neighbors.
Your Harvard is our Harvard. Entrust us with your care for the HUGHP advantage.
Sincerely,
Giang T. Nguyen, MD, MPH, MSCE, FAAFP
Executive Director, Harvard University Health Services
Henry K. Oliver Chair of Hygiene
Associate Provost for Campus Health and Wellbeing
HUGHP's History
With the vision of creating a health insurance plan centered on the unique needs of Harvard employees, the Harvard University Group Health Plan was created in 1973 by Harvard University Health Services executive director Warren E.C. Wacker, and then-Harvard President Derek Bok. Since its inception, HUGHP has been managed by HUHS on behalf of the University. The HUGHP team is comprised of Harvard employees, committed to providing Harvard faculty and staff with high-quality, affordable, and accessible health care.
Originally founded with 866 members, more than 50 years later, HUGHP has grown to serve close to 11,000 employees and their dependents. A University-owned asset, we believe in providing comprehensive, integrated health care so you can receive the right care, at the right time.
What Makes HUGHP Different?
"The team knows what it is like to work for Harvard and can guide our members through the health care experience in a way that a generic insurance call center cannot. I hear again, and again how much our patients appreciate the way Member Services assisted them in navigating the complexity of the American health care system."
— Dr. Giang Nguyen, Executive Director, HUHS
We are here to guide you through the complex world of insurance.
We empower our health plan members to confidently navigate their health insurance. Our dedicated team is deeply passionate about guiding you through the maze of complex insurance issues or simply shedding light on the basics of your coverage. Whether you are looking for a straightforward overview, clarity on a medical bill, details about prescription drug coverage, or confirmation on whether a specific service or provider is included in your plan, we are here to offer support.
Your time is valuable. We're here to offer support in a method that works best for you.
- Call (617) 495-2008
- Email Mservices@huhs.harvard.edu
- Request a virtual appointment by sending us an email
With trusted options for primary care for both adults and children, plus access to specialists and mental health services, you can count on coordinated, high-quality care through HUGHP’s network:
| Care Type | Details |
|---|---|
Adult Primary Care | Option 1: On-campus care available at Harvard University Health Services (HUHS):
Option 2: Primary Care available through Atrius Health at 25+ locations. |
HUGHP’s focused adult primary care provider (PCP) network is designed to deliver accessible, coordinated, and high-quality care to Harvard employees and their families. By concentrating on adult primary care within trusted providers at Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) and Atrius Health, members benefit from a tightly integrated health care experience. When you join HUGHP, you need to pick a primary care provider for yourself and each family member. This provider will be responsible for coordinating most of your care.
| Care Type | Details |
|---|---|
Pediatric Primary Care | Dependent children (those under age 26) can select any Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO Blue pediatrician or family medicine provider in Massachusetts as their primary care physician. |
Specialty Care | If you need to see a medical specialist, your primary care physician will refer you to a network provider. The specialist is often affiliated with your primary care physician group. When needed, members may also be referred to specialists within the broader Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue network. |
Note: You do not need a referral from your primary care physician to schedule a mental health visit, and your mental health provider does not need to be affiliated with your PCP group; however, you must use a BCBSMA HMO Blue provider for coverage.
Together, our team and Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA (BCBSMA) work in tandem to ensure that members have a seamless and supportive health care experience. BCBSMA acts as the third-party administrator for our health plans, offering a variety of administrative and support services, including:
- Issuing ID cards
- Providing access to the MyBlue app for easy management of health benefits
- Handling the payment and processing of medical claims
- Contracting with health care providers to ensure a robust network
Additionally, BCBSMA offers various health and wellness programs, along with discounts and resources, to enhance the overall wellbeing of our members.
Hear From Our Members
At HUGHP, we’re committed to delivering exceptional service and support. Our members’ voices matter, and we’re proud to have earned an impressive 4.7 out of 5 satisfaction score in our 2024 HUGHP Member Satisfaction Survey.
"After having had many different insurance plans and healthcare providers all across the country, HUGHP and HUHS were the fastest and easiest I've ever had to deal with. They were helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly!"
"The fact that when you call they make sure you get the service you need, they take the time to listen to your needs."
"The Member Services team is always kind and friendly regardless of how many questions I ask. They do an excellent job explaining my plan in terms I can understand and follow-up consistently!"
"Knowing there is a team always available to help me demystify the sometimes confusing insurance process is so valuable."
"The team members understand our community!"
"They are always happy and eager to help. They take the time to listen and connect me with the right resources."
"It's a comprehensive plan that is convenient in location, communication, payment (payroll deduction for staff is a great option), and having everything in one place. The reduced cost for massages is an amazing benefit that you cannot beat!"
"I think member services are such a huge perk of HUGHP! I've called with questions over the years, and it's easy to get to someone, I'm always greeted with kindness, great knowledge, genuinely helpful people, and it makes SUCH a difference compared to mainstream call centers! THANK YOU!"
"Every time I have contacted HUGHP with questions, the customer service has been wonderful. Helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly!"
"Every time I've called member services it's been a stellar experience. Being able to give my HUID as an identifier instead of having to look up my health insurance number to start with, but mostly getting to talk to someone without ridiculous wait times and someone who is knowledgeable, caring, and feels like a happy and able to help kind of person, easy to understand, with a great phone connection, just kind human beings. Many of these things are rare in customer service, and I so, so, SO appreciate them!!"
“I can't thank you enough for stepping in when errors in my insurance authorization letter threatened to cancel my upcoming back procedure. When my doctor's office couldn't readily get the matter resolved, you and your supervisor advocated on my behalf—twice—and your persistence made all the difference. The authorization was corrected in time, and my procedure went forward as planned. I'm so grateful to have had HUGHP in my corner when it mattered most.”