Medical Coverage
Benefits Open Enrollment 2012–2013
Your annual opportunity to make changes to your healthcare elections is here. The 2012–2013 Benefits Open Enrollment period will run from April 9–April 20. Click here for complete details.
Medical Plan Cost Estimator Tool: Want help choosing a health care plan that's right for you and your family?
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Who is eligible?
You are eligible for PennChoice if you are a full-time member of the University faculty or staff in a benefits eligible position.
Your dependents are eligible for medical, dental, vision and dependent life insurance. Eligible dependents include:
- Your spouse or domestic partner.
- Your biological and/or adopted children and stepchildren up to the end of the month in which they turn age 26. (Your spouse's or domestic partner's biological and/or adopted children are eligible if they meet the age and dependent criteria.)
- Your children age 26 or older who are incapable of self-support due to a mental or physical condition that existed prior to age 26 and who were eligible for coverage as dependents prior to age 26.
For information on verifying the eligibility of your dependents, click here. You can also consult the Health and Welfare Summary Plan Description for more information on covering eligible dependents.
When are you eligible?
Upon appointment for you and your eligible dependents. If you were hired on or before the 15th of the month, your medical, dental and vision insurance is effective the first day of the following month. If you were hired on or after the 16th of the month, your medical, dental and vision insurance is effective the first of the month following thirty days of employment.
How do you get coverage?
During your new employee eligibility period or the annual Open Enrollment period, you may enroll for medical coverage online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at Penn’s online benefits enrollment site. You may also be eligible to make specific changes to your coverage at other times as the result of an employment status change or a qualifying life event change, such as a change in marital status or the arrival of a new child. If you have questions about Penn’s medical coverage options, or about how to make your benefits elections online, please contact the Penn Benefits Center at 1-888-PENN-BEN (1-888-736-6236).
Who pays?
Penn pays the majority of the cost for the medical and prescription drug and dental plans. You pay the balance through pre-tax payroll deductions. Note: Your payroll deductions for coverage of a same-sex domestic partner and a partner's children are usually after-tax deductions. For current rates, please consult the rate sheet.
Premium Assistance through Medicaid and CHIP
If you’re unable to afford the premiums for Penn’s coverage, you may be able to get free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Click here for more information.
Medical Plan Contact Information
Click here for contact information for Penn's medical plans.