Skip to main content

Working at Cornell

Cornell Program for Healthy Living (CPHL) plan

mixed race couple and children smiling outdoors

A comprehensive medical insurance PPO plan that encourages your progress toward healthier living with Fitness Benefit discounts (for Ithaca-area members).

The Aetna PPO Cornell Program for Healthy Living (CPHL) plan offers the freedom to choose any doctor — in or out of the Aetna network. Keep in mind, however, that your share of the medical cost is usually lower when you stay in the network. And, with so many doctors and hospitals on the list, that’s not hard to do. Your participation in any of the endowed medical plans, includes prescription drug coverage administered by OptumRx.

Tools & Resources

Also see: Covid-19 Benefits Info   

CPHL Health Plan Details

Eligibility

You

Endowed benefits-eligible* faculty and staff members can enroll in the CPHL plan.

*If you are uncertain of your eligibility status for this benefit, please contact your HR representative to review.

Your Dependents

  • The employee must qualify for and be actively enrolled in Cornell’s medical plan for a spouse/domestic partner and child(ren) to be enrolled. 
  • Children are eligible for coverage through December 31st of the year they turn age 26.
  • Children may be eligible to continue coverage beyond 26 years old. Both below “Request for Continuation of Coverage for Disabled Child” forms must be completed and returned to Aetna prior to the child turning age 26.

The above eligibility is a high-level summary. Please review the CPHL Benefit Plan Booklet for details on who is eligible for coverage.

Plan Highlights

Compare services across all Endowed Health Plans

 In-NetworkOut-of-Network
Level of Health Plan Support

You pay less out of pocket:

$100 deductible

$20 office visit copay

90% for other services

Pharmacy administered by Optum Rx

You pay more out of pocket:

$400 deductible

80% after deductible

Pharmacy administered by Optum Rx

Referral Requirement to a SpecialistNo referrals neededNo referrals needed
Preventive CareCovered at 100%Covered at 80% after deductible
Broad national network of physicians and hospitalsFully available at discount pricesYou may use out-of-network providers but it will cost you more
Balance Billing (the amount billed by your provider that is over the insurance company's allowed amount)Providers have agreed not to bill you over allowed amountProviders are free to bill you over the allowed amount
Certification for inpatient hospital and other medical servicesParticipating provider precertifies for youYou precertify by calling the toll-free number on your ID card. Failure to precertify may result in substantially reduced benefits
Claim forms to fileNo. Your provider files claims on your behalfYes. You are responsible to file claims. Claim forms located at https://www.aetna.com/content/dam/aetna/pdfs/aetnacom/individuals-families-health-insurance/document-library/medical-claim-form.pdf

 

Rates

For 2025

Compare rates across all Endowed Health Plans

Coverage TypeHourly/Non-ExemptSalary/Exempt
Individual$35.85$38.84
Individual + child(ren)$162.17$175.68
Individual + Spouse/Domestic Partner$179.82$194.80
Individual + Spouse/Domestic Partner + child(ren)$242.70$262.92
Individual + Spouse/Domestic Partner working at Cornell (dual eligibility) + child(ren)$164.25$177.94

NOTE: The dual eligibility category is available to an endowed staff or faculty member with dependent children whose spouse or domestic partner is also a benefits-eligible staff or faculty member paid from endowed funds at Cornell University.

Deductibles

For 2025

Type of CoverageIn-NetworkOut-of-Network
Individual$100$400
Family$200$800

Forms

Plan Documentation

 

While every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of this Summary, in the event of any discrepancy the Summary Plan Description and Plan Document will prevail.