Well in advance of Cornell's benefits open enrollment period, which begins Nov. 7, Benefit Services has simplified the process for Cornell endowed employees in the Cornell Program for Healthy Living (CPHL) to receive their monthly discount at the Ithaca YMCA or Island Fitness (Cornell Wellness membership is already free to CPHL participants). They will no longer be required to obtain a fitness certificate from their primary care physician to receive the $15 monthly discount off their bill at these fitness centers.

Now, participating employees only need show the fitness center their CPHL Aetna ID card and Cornell ID as proof of enrollment in CPHL. The same goes for their spouse/same sex partner if he or she is a dependent under CPHL and also is a Cornell employee.

Next year, those in CPHL who already have the Cornell discount at a participating fitness center can just continue their membership. Although participants are encouraged to schedule their annual wellness exam when it is convenient next year, the timing of their wellness exam and assessment will not affect their fitness club membership.

These changes are the result of thoughtful feedback derived from a survey of physicians' offices and CPHL participants.

Note: Participants should take their annual cardiac risk assessment just before their annual wellness exam in 2009 so they can keep track of their numbers and progress. Contact your primary care physician's office to coordinate this. If you have questions, contact Benefit Services at 255-3936.