A University Institution Turns 50
HUHS executive directors, past and present, discuss the Harvard University Group Health Plan as it turns 50
With the vision of creating a health insurance plan centered on the unique needs of Harvard’s employees, the Harvard University Group Health Plan (HUGHP) was created in 1973 by Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) executive director Warren E.C. Wacker MD (‘71 – ‘89) and the University President, Derek Bok (‘71 –’91). 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 only 866 members, HUGHP now serves close to 11,000 employees and their dependents. While the health care landscape has changed since its creation, the carefully calibrated relationship with HUHS that supports the health and wellbeing of the Harvard community remains steadfast. As HUGHP commemorates its 50th year, HUHS executive directors past and present discuss the health plan’s legacy and its integral role in health care at Harvard…
Testimonials
“When my Colleagues sign up for HUGHP, I tell them about the secret weapon—Member Services.”
Robin, Spouse of Faculty Member and Resident Affiliate, Member for 20+ Years
As a long-time member, I love that I can receive my care close to work while my family receives care close to home. It’s a perfect balance for us. As an added bonus, I contact Member Services whenever I need help with something. So great!”
Joanna, Harvard Staff, Member for 5+ Years
Some snapshots of what 1973 looked like!
CHECK OUT THE TRIVIA ANSWERS HERE!
- A gallon of gas was 40 cents
- A Big Mac was 60 cents
- The average price of a single-family home in Cambridge was $32,500
- A first-class stamp was 8 cents
- A dozen eggs were 69 cents
- The United States president was Richard Nixon
- The Super Bowl champions were the Miami Dolphins
- Minimum wage was $1.60
- The Stanley Cup was clinched by the Montreal Canadiens
- The average yearly family income was $12,050
- The Billboard year-end #1 song was Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree
- The number of channels on a TV was 7 – channels 2,4,5,7,9,11, & 13, along with a few fuzzy UHF channels
Did You Know?
HUGHP member services team is made up of 8 employees that work for Harvard – just like you.
With a small, dedicated team, we provide a more personalized service than companies with a call center that can have 10 times the employees working for them.
9,149
Emails answered in 2022
9,026
Calls answered in 2022
152
Combined years our team has worked for Harvard
19
Avg # years our team has been with HUGHP
119,172
Website page views in 2022
5,328
HUGHP members enrolled in MyBlue
Spotlight on HUGHP Specialists
HUGHP members have access to a network of specialists through the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue Network, which includes Harvard Vanguard and other Atrius providers. When a member selects a PCP at the Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) clinic, they also have access to all of our HUHS specialists.
Meet the Member Services Team
Learn about Donni
- Member Services Representative
- Member of the team for 13 years
“I love my job and being able to help members navigate the complicated world of insurance. I also love working in Member Services where my colleagues are also family.” Donni Caggiano
Learn about Sarah
- Member Services Representative
- Member of the team for 5 years
“Every day we are faced with new challenges. With these challenges come the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the needs of our members. This makes every day different and exciting. The amazing people I get to work with each day have gone from coworkers to friends which makes working together easy. We have created an environment that is safe, welcoming and fun.” Sarah Cawthron
Learn about Linda
- Member Services Representative
- Member of the team for 2 years
“The Member Services Team is a family that I am proud to be part of. I love my job in Member Services because it challenges me and I have a sense of fulfillment when assisting our members with their insurance needs and inquires. I enjoy every minute I can spend with my family and puppies.” Linda Iovanni
Learn about Rita
- Member Services Representative
- Member of the team for 26 years
“I am fortunate to be part of a caring and dedicated team that works well together. Every day is different, and I enjoy the challenges that each day brings. When I am not working I enjoy cooking, fishing, and being with my family.” Rita Jackson
Learn about Fabienne
- Member Services Representative
- Member of the team for 20 years
Fun fact about Fabienne Jean-Baptiste: Her favorite pastimes include walking, cooking, and completing Wordscapes puzzles.
Learn about Danielle
- Assistant Director, Plan Operations & Member Services
- Member of the team for 18 years
“Insurance is constantly changing – keeping our days busy and our minds challenged. I love building relationships with our members – and our providers. Member Services is my home away from home. We’re a family – and for that, I will always be grateful.” Danielle McSheffery Sanfilippo
Learn about Caren
- Member Services Representative
- Member of the team for 21 years
“HUHS is not just a job, it’s my family. I enjoy quilting, nature walks, and gardening but am absolutely obsessed with orchids! My current collection includes 90+ orchids!” Caren Savone
Learn about Jason
- Director, Plan Operations and Member Services
- Member of the team for 17 years
“Being in customer service is exciting because you get to influence the overall member experience at every touchpoint. I love being part of this team because we always work together to support a common vision or goal, and working together as a team constantly increases our motivation to find solutions to difficult problems.” Jason Ward