Division of Human Resources

Dental Coverage

2012–2013 Benefits Open Enrollment
As of July 1, 2012, the Penn Faculty Practice plan (PFP) will offer enhanced coverage at no increase in premium cost. Coverage is being added for adult orthodontia and cosmetic dentistry, and coverage for dental implants is being enhanced. Click here for the 2012–2013 Dental Comparison Chart.

Who is eligible?

Full-time faculty and staff and members of collective bargaining units are eligible for dental coverage. You may also cover your eligible dependents, as listed below:

  • 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?

If you were hired on or before the 15th of the month, your dental insurance is effective the first day of the following month.  If you were hired on or after the 16th of the month, your dental 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 dental 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 dental 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. 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 subject to imputed income taxes.  For current rates, please consult the rate sheet.