2023 Open Enrollment:
October 31
November 18, 2022
Benefits Effective January 1, 2023
Columbia University Benefits
As an Officer of Columbia University, you can take advantage
of a comprehensive benefits package. We are committed to
providing valuable benefits and resources to support your
healthcare, financial, and wellness needs.
Now is the time to review your current enrollment, think about
changes to your personal situa
tion, and choose the benefits
that will best meet your needs in 2023.
What’s New for 2023
Continued on page 2
ENHANCED BENEFITS OFFERINGS
Optional vision coverage. A new optional vision insurance plan which provides enhanced
coverage for eye exams, lenses, frames and more. See page 8 for more details.
Special enrollment opportunity: life insurance. Enroll in new optional term life insurance,
or incr
ease existing coverage this year without providing Evidence of Insurability. Go to:
humanresources.columbia.edu/content/officers-term-life-insurance.
Special enrollment opportunity: long-term disability (LTD). If you have never enrolled, or were
previously denied coverage for LTD, you have a one-time opportunity to elect optional LTD
coverage without providing Evidence of Insurability. Go to: humanresources.columbia.edu/
content/officers-disability-insurance.
Easier access to world-class healthcare. If you are enrolled in any of the University’s medical plans,
you will have access to Columbia Community Connect to facilitate access to Columbia Primary
Care. Call 844-387-CARE (2273) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday or go to
doctors.columbia.edu and search “Primary Care (Columbia Primary Care).
LIFE AND FAMILY SUPPORT
Lifeworks. As of December 1, 2022, Lifeworks will be the new Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
provider, offering enhanced content, tools and services to support your personal success. Go to:
humanresources.columbia.edu/employee-assistance.
Student Debt Solutions. A new program offering assistance in navigating student loan debt,
repayment plans, and federal student loan programs, such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness
(PSLF) program. Go to: humanresources.columbia.edu/student-debt-solutions.
Family Building Benefits. Maven is a new benefit available to all employees and covered
dependents enrolled in a Columbia University medical plan. Maven is an all-in-one digital health
platform that supports all paths to parenthood. Go to: humanresources.columbia.edu/build-family.
What’s New for 2023 (continued)
ENROLLMENT ENHANCEMENTS
Voluntary Benefits. Enrollment in voluntary benefits is now even easier in CUBES. Learn more
about the eight voluntary benefits offered to you at humanresources.columbia.edu/voluntary-
benefits.
Dodge Fitness Center. Select a Dodge Fitness Center membership through CUBES and your
membership fees will be automatically deducted from your paycheck.
LEARN MORE
There are three ways to learn more about Open Enrollment. Attend any or all of the events to
learn more about your 2023 benefits offerings.
° Attend a virtual information session.
° Attend one or both of the specialized information sessions, one focused on tax savings
accounts, and the other on the new family building benefit Maven.
° Join us in person for a Health Screening or to speak with representatives from Benefits and
ColumbiaDoctors.
See page 5 for dates and times or go to humanresources.columbia.edu/oe for details.
New contribution rates. See the 2023 Contribution Rates flyer.
2
Log in to CUBES to Enroll
The Columbia University Benefits Enrollment System (CUBES) gives you secure access to personalized
information about your benefits. The site is available 24/7, which means you can enroll online anytime from
anywhere during the annual benefits Open Enrollment period.
To get started:
Go to humanresources.
columbia.edu and click
the CUBES logo.
Select “Get Started”
to make your elections.
Be sure to “Checkout
in order to save and
submit your elections.
Log in with your UNI and password; confirm access using multifactor authentication (DUO).
You must enroll in your 2023 benefits by November 18, 2022. Remember: The choices you make during
Open Enrollment will stay in effect all year
unless you experience a Qualified Life Status Change.
3
What Happens if You Don’t Enroll?
+
You will no longer have coverage for:
Healthcare FSA
Dependent Care FSA
Child Care Benefit
Health Savings Account
You will also be ineligible to newly enroll in the
following Voluntary Benefits:
Accident Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance
Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Identity Theft Protection
Universal Life with long-term care insurance
You will be automatically re-enrolled in your
current 2022:
Medical
Dental
Transit/Parking Reimbursement Program (T/PRP)
Life Insurance (Optional, Spouse and Child)
Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Insurance
Optional Long-Term Disability
Voluntary Benefits
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Columbia
Benefits Service Center
212-851-7000
Open Enrollment hours:
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Important Reminders
REVIEW BENEFICIARIES
Update your beneficiary information for life insurance (CUBES) and retirement plans (TIAA/Vanguard).
QUALIFIED LIFE STATUS CHANGE
You can update benefits elections on CUBES if you experience a Qualified Life Status Change event such as
marriage or divorce, or birth or adoption of a child. You have 31 days from the eligible event to make updates.
+
For additional information, including a list of Qualified Life Status Change events, go to humanresources.
columbia.edu/benefits and click the “Making Changes to Benefits” icon.
MAKE CATCH-UP CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE VRSP
If you are age 50 or older (or will turn 50 in 2023), you can contribute an additional $6,500 pre- or post-tax
to your Voluntary Retirement Savings Program (VRSP) account, for a total of $27,000 in 2023.*
LEARN ABOUT TAX SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
All tax savings accounts can save you money by setting aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to pay for
expenses you will incur throughout the year. These include a Transit/Parking Reimbursement Program (T/PRP),
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HC FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), and Dependent Care Flexible
Spending Account (DC FSA).
2023 Tax Savings Accounts
Current IRS limits* Rollover limit for 2023
T/PRP $280/month No limit
HC FSA $2,850/year $570
HSA
$3,850/year (individual)
$7,
850/year (family)
No limit
DC FSA $5,000/year $0
To learn more go to humanresources.columbia.edu/tax-savings.
* IRS limits are subject to change.
ABOUT THIS COMMUNICATION
The Benefits Brochure summarizes changes to the benefits programs that are available to benefits-eligible employees of Columbia University. This
communication is intended to be a Summary of Ma
terial Modifications (SMM) to the Medical Plans and other benefits programs. It does not include important
information about exclusions and limitations. For additional details of benefits coverage, eligibility, limitations and exclusions, you must refer to the Summary
Plan Description (SPD) and the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) online at humanresources.columbia.edu/benefits. You may also want to request to
receive a paper copy of an SPD, SBC or SMM by contacting the Columbia Benefits Service Center at 212-851-7000. As a requirement of the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act, Columbia University must provide a SBC to all participants and their dependents. The SBC is designed to provide you with an
easy-to-understand summary about a health plan’s benefits and coverage and to help you better understand and evaluate your health insurance choices. You
are entitled to receive these Plan documents under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). You also have other important rights and
protections under ERISA, which are explained in more detail in the SPDs. If there are any discrepancies between the information in this publication, verbal
representations and the Plan documents, the Plan documents will always govern. Columbia University reserves the right to change or terminate these benefits
Plans at any time. This publication is in no way intended to imply a contract of employment. The Columbia University Group Benefit Plan (the “Plan”) complies
with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.
4
HOW TO CHOOSE A MEDICAL PLAN
When choosing your 2023 medical plan, think about
your total costs
what you pay at the time you use
healthcare (e.g., your deductible, coinsurance or
copay) plus your payroll contributions
then compare
the total possible cost of each plan.
Full years payroll contributions
+ Out-of-pocket maximum
= Maximum annual cost
EVALUATE YOUR COSTS - SMARTSELECT
Evaluate the medical plan options available to you
and your family using SmartSelect, the comparison
tool on CUBES. You can model different health
scenarios for yourself and your family, using your
prior calendar year’s UHC medical claims, to estimate
what your annual out-of-pocket costs will be. Decide
which plan is right for you and your family.
+
Go to humanresources.columbia.edu/oe for more
detailed information on how to choose a plan.
REFERENCES AND RESOURCES
Go to humanresources.columbia.edu/benefits
for the Summary Plan Description (SPD) and
Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) for
each health plan, legal notices, FAQs, Benefits
Vendor Contacts, and our Benefits Glossary.
ATTEND A VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION
Virtual Information Sessions
Wednesday, October 26, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 1, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 15, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Specialized Information Sessions
Family Building (Maven)
Friday, October 28, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Tax Savings
Wednesday, November 9, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
IN-PERSON HEALTH SCREENINGS
Join us at an in-person event for free health
screenings:
Check your blood pressure, cholesterol and
glucose levels, and more. Results available while
you wait and certified health professionals on site
can help you understand them. You can fast before
your appointment to receive additional values of
LDL cholesterol and total triglycerides
ColumbiaDoctors Ophthalmology will be at all
thr
ee events to provide free eye exams
At CUIMC event only, ColumbiaDoctors
Dermatology will be available to provide free skin
screenings
Wednesday, November 2
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Lerner Hall Morningside
2920 Broadway at W. 115th Street
Thursday, November 3
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
LenFest Manhattanville
615 W. 129th Street
Thursday, November 10
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
50 Haven Avenue
Visit humanresources.columbia.edu/oe to register.
5
Comparing Your Medical Plans
Only you can decide which coverage levels are best for you and your family. Below is an overview of the four
medical plans, all administered by UnitedHealthcare (UHC), to consider before enrolling.
UHC Medical Plan Comparison Chart
Benefit
High Deductible Health Plan Choice Plus 80 Choice Plus 90 Choice Plus 100
In-Network
Out-of-
Network*
In-Network
Out-of-
Network*
In-Network
Out-of-
Network*
In-Network
Out-of-
Network*
Annual
Deductible
Individual $1,500 $2,900 $600 $850 $400 $850 $200 $850
Family $3,000 per person per person** per person per person per person per person per person
Coinsurance
90% after
deductible
60% after
deductible
80% after
deductible
60% after
deductible
90% after
deductible
60% after
deductible
100% after
deductible
60% after
deductible
Out-of-pocket
Maximum
Individual $3,550 $6,850 $3,750 $5,250 $3,250 $5,250 $4,750 $5,250
Family $7,100 $13,700 $7, 500 $10,500 $6,500 $10,500 $9,500 $10,500
Preventive Care 100%
60% after
deductible
100%
60% after
deductible
100%
60% after
deductible
100%
60% after
deductible
Physician Office
Visits (excludes
additional
services)
90% after
deductible
60% after
deductible
$30 copay
60% after
deductible
$30 copay
60% after
deductible
$30 copay
60% after
deductible
Laboratory/
Radiology
Services,
including services
rendered in a
physician’s office
90% after
deductible
60% after
deductible
80% after
deductible
60% after
deductible
90% after
deductible
60% after
deductible
100% after
deductible if
non-hospital
location
$150 copay if
hospital***
60% after
deductible
Inpatient
Hospital
Care
90% after
deductible
60% after
deductible;
Precertification
required
80% after
deductible
60% after
deductible;
Precertification
required
90% after
deductible
60% after
deductible;
Precertification
required
$500 copay per
admission;
100% after the
deductible
for inpatient
professional
services
60% after
deductible;
Precertification
required
Outpatient
Hospital
Care
90% after
deductible
60% after
deductible;
Precertification
required
80% after
deductible
60% after
deductible;
Precertification
required
90% after
deductible
60% after
deductible;
Precertification
required
$150 copay
(including
lab and
radiology)***;
100% after the
deductible
for hospital
professional
services
60% after
deductible;
Precertification
required
Mental Health
and Substance
Abuse
Inpatient
care
90% after
deductible
60% after
deductible;
Precertification
required
80% after
deductible
60% after
deductible;
Precertification
required
90% after
deductible
60% after
deductible;
Precertification
required
$500 copay per
admission
60% after
deductible;
Precertification
required
Mental Health
and Substance
Abuse
Outpatient
programs
90% after
deductible for
facility-based
care including
intensive
outpatient
programs
70% after
deductible for
facility-based
care including
intensive
outpatient
programs;
Precertification
required
$30 copay
70% after
deductible for
facility-based
care including
intensive
outpatient
programs;
Precertification
required
$30 copay
70% after
deductible for
facility-based
care including
intensive
outpatient
programs;
Precertification
required
$30 copay****
70% after
deductible for
facility-based
care including
intensive
outpatient
programs;
Precertification
required
Mental Health
and Substance
Abuse
Outpatient
counseling
90% after
deductible
70% after
deductible
$30 copay
70% after
deductible
$30 copay
70% after
deductible
$30 copay
70% after
deductible
* Eligible Expenses are determined in accordance with the Claims Administrator's reimbursement policy as described in the Summary Plan Description.
** To meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of State, J-1 Visa holders will have a $500 per person deductible applied.
*** No copay for Lab and Radiology at certain designated New York Presbyterian (NYP) locations. Go to humanresources.columbia.edu/documents and search “New York-Presbyterian (NYP)
Outpatient Laboratory Locations” for the list of locations.
**** No copay for partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient treatment.
6
* Eligible Expenses are determined in accordance with the Claims Administrator's reimbursement policy as described in the Summary Plan Description.
UHC Medical Plan Comparison Chart (continued)
Benefit
High Deductible Health Plan Choice Plus 80 Choice Plus 90 Choice Plus 100
In-Network
Out-of-
Network*
In-Network
Out-of-
Network*
In-Network
Out-of-
Network*
In-Network
Out-of-
Network*
Emergency
Room
90% after in-network deductible $150 copay (Waived if admitted) $150 copay (Waived if admitted) $150 copay (Waived if admitted)
Basic and
Comprehensive
Infertility
Treatment
Unlimited benefit for diagnosis and basic medical treatment, including artificial insemination
Advanced
Infertility
Treatment
$30,000 lifetime maximum for advanced treatments and Assisted Reproductive Technology including IVF, GIFT and ZIFT
Prescription
Drug
coverage with
OptumRx **
Preventive care medications
follow the Choice Plus plans
copay amounts.
Non-Preventive care medications
are subject to the annual
in-network deductible before
copay amounts apply.
Retail (30 days)
• Tier I: $10 copay
• Tier II: $25 copay
• Tier III: $45 copay
Mail-order (90 days)
• Tier I: $15 copay
• Tier II: $50 copay
• Tier III: $90 copay
Eligible specialty medications will be processed through PillarRx with a 30% coinsurance, offset by the
manufacturer discount. You will be notified in advance if you need to enroll.
** $30,000 lifetime maximum for infertility medication.
The Medical Plan Comparison chart represents highlights of Plan provisions. Clinical medical management
restrictions and other limits apply.
+
Go to humanresources.columbia.edu; click “Forms & Documents”; search “SPD” to view the Summary Plan
Descriptions.
!
UHC’s Choice network is a national provider network and does not require referrals to see specialists.
UHC requires precertification for some services; it is your responsibility to confirm that your provider has
obtained the necessary authorizations from UHC.
Dental Coverage
The University offers two comprehensive dental plans, through Aetna.
COLUMBIA DENTAL PLAN
Under the Aetna Columbia Dental Plan you can go to a broad range of dentists including the national Aetna
PPO network and the Columbia Preferred Dental Network. The Columbia Preferred Network gives you access
to ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry
some of the country’s leaders in oral health care
and provides comprehensive
care across all specialties. This plan network was uniquely designed to support a broad range of dental
needs of Columbia University faculty and staff and has added benefits, such as higher annual maximum care
allotments when receiving services with in-network providers. Under this plan you may also see an out-of-
network dentist, although your cost may be significantly higher.
DENTAL MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION
Under the Aetna Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO), you choose one primary care dentist in advance
from a select group of Aetna in-network providers able to offer lower rates. Please confirm your current dentist
is in the DMO network prior to enrolling. Columbia Dentistry does not participate in the DMO network, nor is
the DMO available outside the U.S. and in some states.
+
For a list of participating dentists, go to humanresources.columbia.edu/benefits-vendor-contacts. For more
information, go to humanresources.columbia.edu/officers-dental.
7
Vision Coverage
All Officers and their covered dependents enrolled in any of the University’s medical plans are covered by a
basic vision benefit through UnitedHealthcare (UHC). This embedded plan provides coverage for eye exams,
corrective lenses, frames and contact lenses.
OPTIONAL VISION PLAN
For enhanced vision benefits, Officers can elect to purchase optional UHC vision coverage in place of the basic
vision coverage for themselves and their covered dependents. You do not have to be enrolled in a medical
plan to purchase this coverage. See contributions insert for monthly rates.
Vision Plan Comparison Chart
Benefit
UHC Basic Vision Coverage UHC Optional Vision Plan
High Deductible Health Plan Choice Plus Plans
In-Network Coverage Out-of-Network Coverage
Benefits apply both In-Network and Out-of-Network
Routine Eye
Exams
Adults: One exam every
12mo
nths; plan pays 90%
after in-network deductible,
no copay
Child(ren):* One exam every
12 months; plan pays 90%
after in-network deductible,
no copay
Adults: One exam every
12mo
nths with a $10 copay
Child(ren):* One exam every
12 mo
nths with a $10copay
Adults: One exam every
12mo
nths with a $10 copay.
For pregnant/breastfeeding
women and individuals with
diabetes, two exams every
12months with a $10 copay
Child(ren):* One exam
eve
ry 12 months plus one
additional exam ages (0-12)
with a $10 copay
Adults: One exam every
12mo
nths, plan pays up
to $40. For pregnant/
brestfeeding women and
individuals with diabetes, two
exams every 12months, plan
pays up to $40 per exam
Child(ren):* One exam
every 12 months plus one
additional exam ages (012);
plan pays up to $40 per exam
Lenses
Adults: $100 allowance every
12 m
onths (combined for
lenses, frames and contact
lenses)
Child(ren):* One pair of
eyeglasses (lenses and frames)
OR one pair of contact lenses
(or a 12-month supply) every
12months with a $75 copay.
More frequently if medically
necessary (for spectacle or
contact lenses only)
Adults:*
* Every 24 months,
$20 allowance for single
lenses, $30 for bifocal,
$40 for trifocal or $75 for
lenticular
Child(ren):* Lenses covered
in fu
ll every 12 months.
More frequently if medically
necessary
Adults: Plan pays 100% every
12 months for single vision,
lined bifocal, lined trifocal, or
lenticular, including standard
scratch coating. Additional costs
apply for progressive lenses
Child(ren):* Plan pays
100% every 12 months
for polycarbonate lenses,
including standard scratch
coating. Replacement frames
available if prescription
change of 0.5dipter or more
Adults and Child(ren)*:
Every 12 months, up to $40
allowance for single lenses,
up to $60 for lined bifocal,
up to $80 for lined trifocal
or up to $80 for lenticular
Frames
Adults:*
* $
30 allowance
eve
ry 24 months
Child(ren):* Up to $100 every
12months. Cost above $100
covered at 60%
Adults and Child(ren)*:
$130 allowance every
12months. Cost above $130
may be covered at 30% at
participating providers***
Adults and Child(ren)*:
Up to $45 allowance every
12months
Contact
Len
ses
Adults:** $75 allowance every
24 months
Child(ren):* Single purchase
of a pair of contact lenses or
1 bo
x of contact lenses per
eye covered at 100% every
12months
Adults and Child(ren)*: Up to
4 boxes for covered formulary
contacts, including the fitting/
evaluation fees and up to 2
follow-up visits covered in
full. $130 allowance for non-
formulary contacts, 100% for
medically necessary contacts
Adults and Child(ren)*:
$130 allowance for elective
contacts, up to $210 allowance
for medically necessary
contacts
Laser Vision
Disc
ount
N/A
Access to discounted laser vision correction through QualSight
LASIK; savings of up to 35% of national average price
8
* Child is defined as a member less than age 19.
** Available for either frames and lenses or contact lenses.
*** 30% discount available at most participating provider locations (in network)
may exclude certain frame manufacturers.
Note: Provider might require payment in full at the time of service. The patient then submits a claim to UHC for reimbursement.
+
To search for a vision provider, log in to myuhc.com; click “Coverage & Benefits”, “Vision”, then “Vision
benefit highlights”. You will be taken to the UHC Vision website. Click “Find a Provider” to search.
Cost of Coverage
Contributions are the amount you pay toward the cost of medical (includes prescription drugs and basic vision),
dental, and optional vision coverage through pre-tax payroll deductions.
2023 Monthly Medical Contributions for Full-Time Officers
Salary Tier Yourself Only Yourself & Child(ren) Yourself & Spouse Family
$0 - $44,999
High Deductible Health Plan $9 $14 $27 $30
Choice Plus 80 $27 $46 $83 $101
Choice Plus 90 $37 $62 $118 $147
Choice Plus 100 $102 $184 $285 $365
$45,000 - $59,999
High Deductible Health Plan $27 $47 $87 $107
Choice Plus 80 $77 $141 $248 $313
Choice Plus 90 $119 $220 $365 $466
Choice Plus 100 $288 $515 $802 $1,026
$60,000 - $79,999
High Deductible Health Plan $43 $80 $148 $183
Choice Plus 80 $104 $193 $301 $391
Choice Plus 90 $156 $292 $424 $548
Choice Plus 100 $376 $675 $1,050 $1,347
$80,000 - $134,999
High Deductible Health Plan $60 $112 $211 $262
Choice Plus 80 $136 $252 $365 $483
Choice Plus 90 $187 $352 $494 $639
Choice Plus 100 $432 $774 $1,202 $1,548
$135,000 - $174,999
High Deductible Health Plan $90 $170 $271 $351
Choice Plus 80 $151 $280 $441 $567
Choice Plus 90 $218 $410 $550 $728
Choice Plus 100 $467 $836 $1,300 $1,669
$175,000 - $224,999
High Deductible Health Plan $141 $262 $369 $493
Choice Plus 80 $213 $404 $524 $712
Choice Plus 90 $266 $503 $693 $872
Choice Plus 100 $615 $1,102 $1,712 $2,200
$225,000 - $299,999
High Deductible Health Plan $187
$355 $465 $631
Choice Plus 80 $260 $494 $618 $851
Choice Plus 90 $313 $592 $814 $1,015
Choice Plus 100 $655 $1,176 $1,826 $2,347
Continued on back
Officers 2023 Benefits Contribution Rates
2023 Monthly Medical Contributions for Full-Time Officers (continued)
Salary Tier Yourself Only Yourself & Child(ren) Yourself & Spouse Family
$300,000+
High Deductible Health Plan $238 $449 $565 $777
Choice Plus 80 $311 $588 $718 $995
Choice Plus 90 $362 $687 $954 $1,177
Choice Plus 100 $672 $1,207 $1,877 $2,411
Your pre-tax contributions are based on the plan you select, which dependents you cover, and your Annual
Benefits Salary, calculated as of July 1. Annual Benefits Salary is the greater of (a) your base salary or (b) your
prior 12 months’ compensation from the University as of June 30 each year, including certain approved
additional and private practice compensation, excluding any housing allowance.
2023 Monthly Medical Contributions for Part-Time Officers
Yourself Only Yourself & Child(ren) Yourself & Spouse Family
High Deductible Health Plan $235 $447 $494 $705
Choice Plus 80 $254 $482 $533 $761
Choice Plus 90 $267 $508 $561 $801
Choice Plus 100 $294 $558 $617 $881
2023 Monthly Dental Contributions for Ofcers
Yourself You Plus One Family
Full-Time Officers
Aetna Columbia Dental Plan $30.00 $74.00 $118.0 0
Aetna DMO $11.68 $33.29 $33.29
Part-Time Officers
Aetna Columbia Dental Plan $45.00 $90.00 $135.00
Aetna DMO $11.91 $33.96 $33.96
2023 Monthly Contributions for Optional UHC Vision for Officers
Yourself Only Yourself & Child(ren) Yourself & Spouse Family
Full-Time and Part-Time Officers $5.23 $12.11 $9.69 $16.96