FY27 Benefits Overview for Postdocs and NRSA Fellows (effective July 1, 2026)
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Description
This resource provides a high-level overview of benefits for Postdoctoral Researchers, Postdoctoral Fellows, and NRSA Postdoctoral Fellows, effective July 1, 2026.
Benefits eligibility, plan options, costs, and enrollment requirements may vary by appointment type. Postdoctoral trainees should review Penn HR benefits information for current plan details, enrollment instructions, rates, and eligibility requirements.
For detailed plan information, enrollment instructions, rates, and current benefits guidance, postdoctoral trainees should review Penn HR benefits information or contact the Penn Employee Solution Center.
J-1 Visa Note
As of July 1, 2026, J-1 postdoctoral trainees must select either Keystone HMO or Aetna POS II to meet J-1 visa health insurance requirements. The PPO plan does not meet the J-1 visa health insurance requirement.
Benefits
Benefits for Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows: As of July 1, 2026, Postdoctoral Researchers, Postdoctoral Fellows, and NRSA Fellows are eligible for the postdoc benefits plan through Penn Human Resources. All postdocs are required to either waive or enroll in these benefits during their onboarding or open enrollment.
The table below summarizes eligibility for benefits based on postdoc category.
| Benefit | Postdoctoral Researcher/Fellow | NRSA Fellow |
| Medical Coverage (including fertility) coverage begins on day 1 of appt. All options, except the PPO plan, meet J-1 requirements | HMO POS PPO | HMO POS PPO |
| Dental Coverage | Metlife Dental | Metlife Dental |
| Vision Coverage | Davis Vision Plan VSP | Davis Vision Plan VSP |
| Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance | Eligible | Eligible |
| Short-term Disability | Eligible | Eligible |
| Long-term Disability | Eligible | Eligible |
| Basic Life Insurance | Eligible | Eligible ($50,000) |
| 403(b) Tax-deferred Annuity | Eligible | Not eligible* |
| Dependent Care Spending Account | Eligible | Not eligible* |
| NRSA Childcare Allowance | Not eligible | Eligible |
| Employee Assistance Program | Eligible | Eligible |
| Penn COBALT (mental health resource) | Eligible | Eligible |
| Back-Up Family Care | Eligible through Penn HR | Support available through Penn Family Center |
| Parking Benefit | Eligible | Eligible (w/ post-tax contribution) |
| Commuting Program | Eligible | Not eligible* |
| FICA tax | Eligible | Not eligible* |
| Gym membership discount | Eligible | Eligible |
| Biometric screenings | Eligible | Eligible |
* Under IRS guidance, the University is not permitted to treat NRSA fellows as university employees and participate in pre-tax employee benefits.
Important Links
Penn Human Resources – Benefits for Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay/postdoctoral-researchers-and-fellows
Penn postdoc policy: https://almanac.upenn.edu/volume-69-number-37#of-record-policy-for-postdoctoral-trainees-at-the-university-of-pennsylvania-v69-n37
Related Resources
Policies & Procedures
Offices & Services
Postdoctoral Appointment Administration: Roles and Responsibilities
Ergonomics Resources
Wellness & Behavioral Health Resources
Related FAQs
I have other questions about the benefits. Who do I contact?
If postdoctoral researchers and fellows have additional questions about their benefits, they should contact the following resources for support:
-
Penn Employee Solution Center
The Solution Center can assist with questions related to benefits eligibility, enrollment, and coverage.
📧 solutioncenter@upenn.edu
📞 (215) 898-7372
🔗 Contact the Solution Center -
Health Advocate
Health Advocate is a confidential, third-party service available to all Penn affiliates. They can provide guidance on navigating benefits, resolving claims, and locating care providers.
📧 answers@HealthAdvocate.com
📞 (866) 799-2329
🔗 Health Advocate – Penn HR
What benefits are available to postdocs?
Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows are eligible for the Penn Postdoc Benefits plan.
What happens to my benefits if funding for my postdoc position changes?
If your funding changes from NRSA to non-NRSA funding (or vice versa), you will need to switch benefits plans. You will be contacted by Penn HR through Workday to determine whether your support will be from NRSA or non-NRSA funds.