* Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance Overview
The university healthcare options with Aetna to eligible employees and their dependents. These plans do not require the designation of a primary care physician and do not require referrals for visits to specialists. Aetna healthcare participants are automatically enrolled in the Aetna Vision Preferred Plan at no additional cost. (You must be enrolled in the health care plan to receive vision care benefits there is no option to enroll separately.) There are two dental plans, also available through Aetna.
Eligibility, Enrollment and Modifications
Employee eligibility is described in each of the individual plan descriptions - not all plans are available to all employees. Click to view Cost of Coverage and an overview of Eligible Dependents.
You may enroll in these plans or modify your elections during the below:
Your initial phase of eligibility as a new hire
FT Faculty and Staff are generally eligible on the first of the month following one full month of employment
PT Faculty are generally eligible after one year of employment
When your employment status changes resulting in eligibility for benefits
Due to a qualifying life event
During the annual open enrollment period
Unless you take action during Open Enrollment, your medical, vision and dental plan elections will remain the same for the following year. However, we strongly recommend that you review your benefits to make sure that you have selected the best options for yourself and/or your family. The exception is Health Savings Account contributions made in conjunction with the healthcare Value Plan - you may modify those contributions at any time.
You may view your current benefits and per-paycheck contributions anytime. Once you are enrolled, you will receive an Aetna ID, with your covered dependents (if any) listed on it at your home address of record with The New School. Present your ID card whenever you receive medical services. Once you become a member, you can find information about eligibility, benefits, claims payments, discounts, and special programs by going to Aetna's member portal, and registering with the ID number on the front of your Aetna card.
Available Plans
Refer to the attached Aetna Medical Plan Comparison Chart to view the differences in coverage between the plans, and click the below for specifics on each plan. If you have questions about coverage, call Aetna at 833.770.1099. You can access the Aetna Presentation on our medical, dental, vision, and Rx plans online or via the Benefits Virtual Fair.
2021 Aetna Comparison Medical Plans.pdf
Medical and Vision Insurance Plan Options
Plan | Eligibility Overview |
| Aetna Choice Plan (POS) | Full-time faculty and staff |
| Aetna Select Plan (EPO) | Full-time faculty, staff, and part-time faculty |
| Aetna Value Plan with HSA | Full-time faculty and staff |
| Aetna Vision Preferred Plan | Available only to those enrolled in one of the above Aetna healthcare plans |
Dental Insurance Plan Options
Plan | Eligibility Overview |
| Aetna Dental HMO Plan | Full-time faculty, staff, and part-time faculty |
| Aetna Dental PPO Plan | Full-time faculty, staff, and part-time faculty |