As announced last spring, the endowed health plan offered through HealthNow will be discontinued and no new members will be accepted into the Aetna 80/20 plan for endowed employees, effective Jan. 1, 2013. During the benefits open enrollment period, Nov. 1-30, endowed faculty and staff will be able to enroll in or switch to one of three plans offered through Aetna: the Cornell Program for Healthy Living (CPHL), the Aetna Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and the Aetna Health Savings Account (HSA). Paul Bursic, senior director of benefit services, answers questions about the plans:

Q: What are the similarities and differences between HealthNow and the three Aetna plans?

A: The three Aetna plans are similar to the HealthNow plan in that they cover similar services and treatments (the HSA plan has a higher deductible but lower premium rate than the other two Aetna plans). The Aetna plans encourage participants to use health care providers in the nationwide Aetna network to avoid higher out-of-network charges. HealthNow had a more limited network of providers.

All three Aetna plans have the same prescription drug plan administered by Express Scripts/Medco.

Q: What do I do if I am in HealthNow?

A: First, find out if your physicians participate in Aetna's network by checking Aetna's DocFind or call Aetna's Member Services at 877-371-2007. More than 96 percent of the in-network providers used by current HealthNow participants are members of the Aetna network. If you are one of the three percent whose providers are not in the Aetna network, see the online Frequently Asked Questions for the process to follow or contact the Benefits Resource Center at 607-255-3936 or email benefits@cornell.edu.

Q: How do the three Aetna plans differ?

A: The Aetna PPO is nearly identical to the discontinued HealthNow PPO in covered services, but Aetna has a stronger national network of providers. CPHL offers an optional enhanced wellness exam, using specially contracted Ithaca-based primary care physicians. Additionally, CPHL offers the widest range of preventive health services of the three plans when you use any primary care physician in the national Aetna network. The HSA differs from the CPHL and Aetna PPO in how participants pay for care: The HSA plan allows you to put money into an account that earns tax-free interest as it grows over time and to draw from that account as needed to pay the plan's high deductible or any uncovered medical expenses.

Q: What is the CPHL's enhanced wellness exam?

A: The enhanced wellness exam includes a comprehensive annual physical examination, a web-based healthy living risk assessment based on answers you provide to a confidential questionnaire, lab work and a healthy living assessment from your primary care physician -- all free of charge. The CPHL also includes, for the Cornell employee, discounted membership in the Ithaca YMCA or Island Fitness Center or free membership in the Cornell Wellness Program, should your physician determine these would help further your goals; and support by your physician to help you develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Also offered through CPHL: lactation consultations, breast pumps and supplies (see the Breastfeeding Counseling and Supplies Q&A on the Benefits website).

Q: Do you need to use an Ithaca-based physician to be in CPHL?

A: Yes, but only when and if you choose to take advantage of the enhanced wellness exam. In that case, if your regular physician is not on the specific list of Ithaca-based physicians offering enhanced wellness benefits, you will need to select a physician from that list to receive them.

The only time you need to visit this physician is for your yearly enhanced wellness exam. You may use any other doctor in or out of Aetna's nationwide network for additional care. This feature is especially helpful for those who are traveling or for employees who live outside of Ithaca and customarily receive their primary care elsewhere.

Q: What next?

A: Start by reviewing the 2013 endowed health plans comparison chart and other information on the Benefits website. If you have questions, call the Benefits Resource Center at 607-255-3936 or email benefits@cornell.edu. Also plan to attend Benefair Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., G10 Biotechnology Building.