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Health Insurance – Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows

Description

Postdocs are required to have health insurance. Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows are eligible to enroll in health through the Penn Benefits Plan for Postdocs. Postdocs have three options for health insurance plans. Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans will mirror options available to faculty and staff.

Three medical plans 

Keystone Health Plan HMO, Aetna POS II, and PennCare/Personal Choice. The HMO and POS II are heavily subsidized for postdocs to allow for the most affordable options. All three plans provide access to the Penn Provider network. For details, review the medical plan charts in the Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows Benefits Enrollment Guide.

MetLife Dental Plan 

Choose from two dental options: Penn Dental or MetLife. Your share, paid through pre-tax payroll deductions, depends on the plan you choose and whether you are covering dependents. For details, review the dental plan options and current rates here.

VSP Vision Plans

Choose from three vision options: Davis Vision, VSP, and VSP Choice. You pay for coverage through pre-tax payroll deductions. Your cost depends on the plan you choose and whether you are covering dependents. For details, review the dental plan options and current rates here.

Fertility Benefit

Penn’s fertility benefit is administered by Carrot Fertility. Carrot will work with Penn Fertility Clinic and fertility clinics nationwide to support staff and postdocs in different locations, and the benefit will offer a concierge level of service. The benefit is a flat $30,000 lifetime maximum that can be used for a variety of fertility treatments.

No Health Insurance

If postdocs elect to waive health insurance coverage through the University, postdocs must certify that they have alternate health insurance that provides at least comparable coverage. 

Related FAQs

Do my insurance options cover the J-1 visa requirements?

Yes. All insurance plans offered through Penn meet the J-1 visa requirements.

How do I know if I’m eligible for the Penn Postdoc Benefits Plan?

All postdoctoral researchers and fellows are typically eligible for benefits through Penn and NRSA Fellows are eligible for benefits through Gallagher Services. Exceptions to this eligibility rule are rare. If you are uncertain of your funding source, please contact your department or the school’s business administrator.

I am a postdoc that is electing single coverage. Am I going to have to pay for insurance?

Yes. Postdocs electing single coverage will need to pay a monthly contribution that will be deducted from your paycheck. This amount is heavily subsidized by Penn. You can review the monthly contribution rates (aka enrollment rates) for postdocs and researchers on the Penn benefits webpage for postdoctoral researchers and fellows.

I have other questions about the benefits. Who do I contact?

For postdoc researchers and fellows contact Health Advocate at 1-866-799-2329 or the Penn Employee Solution Center. NRSA Fellows should contact Gallagher Services at UniversityServices.GBS.PDinsPlan@ajg.com.

Is benefits enrollment required for all postdocs?

Yes. You must participate by either enrolling or waiving benefits in Workday. This is required during your onboarding process and each year during open enrollment.

What benefits are available to postdocs?

Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows are eligible for the Penn Postdoc Benefits plan. NRSA Fellows are eligible for benefits through Gallagher Services.

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 either Penn HR through Workday or Gallagher Benefits Services, depending on whether your support will be from NRSA or Non NRSA funds.

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