The Cornell Program for Healthy Living (CPHL) is the endowed health program that is not only most similar to the model advocated by national health reform, but also offers lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs than other options, and it provides incentives to work toward a healthy lifestyle, says Paul Bursic, director of Benefit Services.

By the year 2014, all U.S. plans will need to change to fit the new model envisioned by national health reform, Bursic says.

"Because we have offered high-quality plans for many years, many of the reform measures will not change Cornell plans," he says. "For example, the endowed health plans do not have annual or lifetime limits on essential medical services. If you get sick and need your health insurance, Cornell will not cancel your coverage. The CPHL health insurance plan was designed in collaboration with local physicians and has operated since 2008. It already provides virtually all the reform measures that will be required of employer-sponsored plans by the year 2014."

The CPHL is a comprehensive health care plan. A few amendments to the plan will be made, effective Jan.1, 2011, to ensure that all the health reform requirements mandated for 2014 will be met. For instance, a broader range of evidence-based preventive exams and tests will be fully covered under the plan and will have no co-pay if delivered by a network provider only. "Aetna is also prepared to meet a higher standard for the process of claims appeals in 2011," Bursic says.

"Participating primary care physicians have already been improving their office procedures and health services to deliver a very high-quality patient experience," he says. An improved online sustainable health questionnaire and better coordination with community and campus services to help patients adopt healthier lifestyles are also under way.

"This is a health plan unlike any other in our area," says Bursic. "It will be fully compliant with national health reform's patient-friendly standards in 2011. And, it has the lowest premium of any endowed health plan. The program stresses wellness, preventive medicine and high-quality care. We hope endowed faculty and staff will give strong consideration to the CPHL."

The benefits open enrollment period, Nov. 1-30, provides the opportunity for endowed staff and faculty to change their current health, dental and Select Benefits. Cornell offers five health plans to endowed staff and faculty -- the CPHL, Aetna Health Savings Account, HealthNow PPO, Aetna PPO and Aetna 80/20 Plan. To find out more about these plans, go to the Benefits website http://hr.cornell.edu/benefits/ or call the Resource Center at Benefit Services at 607-255-3936.