* Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance Overview
The University offers Aetna medical, vision, and dental coverage to eligible employees and their dependents. Medical plans do not require a primary care physician designation or referrals for specialist care. Medical plan participants are automatically enrolled in the Aetna Vision Preferred Plan at no additional cost; vision coverage is not available separately. The University also offers two Aetna dental plan options.
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 (i.e., if hire date is 1/16, benefits will be effective 3/1 if hire date is 1/1, benefits will be effective 2/1)
- PT Faculty are generally eligible after one academic year teaching a minimum of one course at 90 contact hours
- When your employment status changes resulting in eligibility for benefits
- Due to a qualifying life event
- During the annual open enrollment period
During Open Enrollment you will have the opportunity to review your medical, vision, and dental coverage and make changes for the upcoming plan year. Depending on the benefits offered for the upcoming year, you may be required to actively make or confirm certain elections. We strongly encourage you to review your benefits each year to ensure your coverage continues to meet the needs of you and 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 more information on our medical, dental, vision, and Rx plans via the Benefits Virtual Fair.
2026 Aetna Comparison Medical Plans.pdf
Medical and Vision Insurance Plan Options
Plan | Eligibility Overview |
Full-time faculty and staff | |
Full-time faculty, staff, and part-time faculty | |
Full-time faculty and staff | |
Available only to those enrolled in one of the above Aetna healthcare plans |
Dental Insurance Plan Options
Plan | Eligibility Overview |
Full-time faculty, staff, and part-time faculty | |
Full-time faculty, staff, and part-time faculty |
Additional Medical Insurance Information
- Prescription Drug Program
- Healthcare Coverage and Medicare
- Medigap Reimbursement Plan
- COBRA and Conversion Privileges
- Healthcare Coverage for New School Students Who Are Also Employees