Health Benefits
Wesleyan’s medical plans are the foundation of our comprehensive benefits package, and are available to all benefits-eligible employees. The University offers three high-quality, affordable medical plans through Cigna, as well as dental and vision insurance, so you can find coverage that meets your needs and the needs of your family. The option of a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to pay for eligible out-of-pocket healthcare expenses with pre-tax dollars. And the Wesleyan University Wellness Program offers free, fun ways to support physical and mental well-being, including adult fitness classes and the Cardinal Fit Incentive Points Program, which rewards participants for taking steps to maintain their health.
2026 Benefit Information
- 2026 Benefit Rates
- 2026 Benefit Guide
- 2026 Health Benefits Enrollment is in Workday. Questions?
- 2026 Benefits-At-a-Glance
- Open Enrollment Presentation PPT
- Cigna Open Enrollment Presentation
Health Benefits FAQs
- Eligibility
Wesleyan’s medical plans are the foundation of our comprehensive benefits package, and are available to all benefits-eligible employees.
Faculty and administrative staff who work at least half-time (.50 FTE) may participate in medical, dental, and vision coverage. Bargaining unit employees should refer to the terms of their contract for additional benefits information.
Wesleyan University recognizes Domestic Partnerships for the purpose of benefit eligibility. A signed Affidavit of Domestic Partnership is required and may be obtained on WesPortal. Employees covering a domestic partner are taxed both on the employee and employer contributions related to their domestic partner's coverage as per IRS requirements. Employees covering a Medicare-eligible domestic partner may want to consult a tax or insurance adviser regarding possible penalties if delaying Medicare B and D enrollment. Information on the applicability of pre-tax premium payment is found on the Health Premiums page.
Coverage is effective on the date of hire for new employees and on the date of a status change for employees moving into a benefits-eligible position.
Wesleyan offers three medical plans:
- Cigna Open Access Plus High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP w/HSA)
- Cigna Open Access Plus – In-Network Only (OAPIN)
- Cigna Open Access Plus (OAP)
Those who qualify under the Affordable Care Act will be offered coverage in the HDHP w/HSA plan.
Wesleyan also offers dental and vision plans:Dependent Eligibility
The following are eligible dependents under the medical, dental, and vision plans:
- Spouse
- Domestic partner (mutual residence of six months required, as well as mutual financial support)
- Children, including stepchildren and child(ren) placed for adoption, who meet the IRS dependent definition until the end of the month in which they turn age 26 unless they are totally diabled (please contact benefits@wesleyan.edu for more information).
- Children the employee is legally obligated to support
- Key Features of Wesleyan's Medical Plans
Preventive care services are covered in network at 100%. This means certain services are covered before the deductible is met, including an annual physical and associated lab tests, annual OB/GYN visit, prenatal visits, well child visits, new baby visits and associated immunizations, mammogram screening, colonoscopy screening, and an annual eye exam.
- Wesleyan Preventive Care Presentation
- Preventive Customer Reference Guide
- Cancer Support Program - Oncology
- Cancer Support Program
Pharmacy and prescription drug benefits are included in Wesleyan’s medical plans.
- Benefit Summaries and Resources
- OAPIN Benefit Summary
- OAP Benefit Summary
- HSA Benefit Summary
- Cigna One Guide
- Cigna Presentation
- Cigna Healthcare digital enhancements
- Medical Claim Form
- Prescriptions and Cigna ID Card
- Prescription Claim Form
- Precertification Process
- Virtual Wellness Screening
- Preventive Care Customer Reference Guide
- Cigna Behavioral Health Claim Form
- Urgent Emergent Care Outside the US
- Enrolling in Benefits at Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University is committed to providing a comprehensive benefits program for its employees. As part of the onboarding process, as a new hire or newly eligible employee, you will receive an important "Enroll in Benefits" event in your Workday Inbox that needs to be completed and submitted within 31 days of your eligibility/hire date. Benefit elections are effective on your date of hire. Contributions start in the paycheck following your coverage effective date (unless you start on the 1st day of the pay period, in which case they will start on your hire date).
Wesleyan University offers a Retirement Savings Plan, accessed through Retirement@Work. Through Retirement@Work, you will enroll in the plan, change your voluntary contributions, choose your preferred retirement plan provider(s), view your plan balances and investment providers, and access tools and resources for planning for your retirement. The Retirement@Work link is located in WesPortal, under My Information.
Contact Human Resources at benefits@wesleyan.edu or 860-685-2100 if you have questions.
- Cigna One Guide
Cigna One Guide
Whether you’re a current Cigna customer or considering Cigna for the first time, we understand how confusing and overwhelming it can be to review your health plan options. We want to help by providing the resources you need to make a decision with confidence. That’s why One Guide is available to you:
Before Enrollment
Call a Cigna One Guide representative before you enroll to get personalized, useful guidance. Your personal guide will help you:- Easily understand the basics of health coverage
- Identify the types of health plans available to you that best meet the needs of you and your family
- Check if your doctors are in-network to help you avoid unnecessary costs
- Get answers to any other questions you may have about the plans or provider networks available to you.
The best part is that during the enrollment period, your personal guide is just a call away.
After Enrollment
After enrollment, the support continues for Cigna customers. Your Cigna One Guide representative will be there to guide you through the complexities of the health care system, and help you avoid costly missteps. Cigna One Guide service provides personalized assistance to help you:- Resolve health care issues
- Save time and money
- Get the most out of your plan
- Find the right hospitals, dentists and other health care providers in your plan’s network
- Get cost estimates and avoid surprise expenses
- Understand your bills
- Connect to clinical programs, lifestyle coaching and behavioral health services.
Simply call us (800.Cigna24), click-to-chat on myCigna.com or use the myCigna® App. You’ll automatically be connected with a One Guide representative who will help guide you where you need to go.
- Telehealth
Telehealth
Cigna Telehealth Connection provides care—including most prescriptions—for a wide range of minor conditions. Patients can connect with a board-certified doctor when, where, and however it works best for them—via video or phone—without having to leave home or work.
Choose when - Day or night, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Choose where - At home, at work, or on the go.
Choose how - Phone or video chat.
MDLIVE televisits can be an affordable alternative to a convenience care clinic or urgent care center, and cost less than going to the emergency room. Costs are the same or less than a visit to a primary care provider.
MDLIVE
Access is available through mdliveforcigna.com, or by calling 888-726-3171.
- Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Options with MyCigna.com
Cigna Total Behavioral Health Program
Many physical conditions can worsen with stress, substance abuse, and other behavioral health issues. Cigna Total Behavioral Health is a comprehensive program that provides dedicated support, lifestyle coaching, and online tools to help manage life events.Telehealth Behavioral Health Visits
Members can use their smartphone, tablet, or computer for online video conferencing. The out-of-pocket cost is the same as a behavioral health outpatient office visit. Refer to plan documents for costs and details of coverage. To find a Cigna network provider, visit mycigna.com, go to “Find Care & Costs” and enter “Virtual counselor” under “Doctor by Type.”Virtual Behavioral Care
Use your smartphone, tablet, or computer for online video conferencing. Your out-of-pocket cost is the same as a behavioral health outpatient office visit. Refer to your plan documents for costs and details of coverage. To find a Cigna network provider, visit myCigna.com, go to "Find Care and Costs," and enter "Virtual Counselor" under "Doctor by Type." For a list of providers, go to page 13 of the Benefit Guide.
- Provider and Facility Network Tiers
Provider and Facility Network Tiers
Depending on which provider(s) and facilities are used when a patient receives services, and on the associated network tier, costs will vary. This guide is intended to help explain the medical plans’ service network tiers and costs.
The OAP and the OAP High Deductible Health Plans have two network tiers, and each tier has a different cost structure based on negotiated prices. The out-of-network cost structure is higher than the in-network tier.
Note: Providers listed in each network are subject to change; mycigna.com is the best source for updates.
Tier 1: In-Network
Tier 2: Out-of-Network - All providers and facilities not a part of the first tier are considered out-of-network.
- Additional Programs and Resources Through Cigna
The Patient Assurance Program
Managing diabetes is not easy, but this program helps control the cost of eligible insulin products, making them more affordable. A 30-day (or one-month) supply costs no more than $25, and a 90-day (or three-month) supply costs no more than $75. Please refer to myCigna.com or call 800-244-6224 to see what drugs are covered under the program. If you're currently taking an insulin that is not included in the program, talk with your doctor about whether taking an insulin covered under the program is right for you. Only you and your doctor can decide what's best for you.Cigna Clinical Management Programs
Your Health Matters Chronic Condition Management – If you have a chronic health condition, you'll develop a one-on-one relationship with a dedicated health advocate to help you manage chronic conditions ranging from asthma and low back pain to depression and coronary artery disease, among many others. Your dedicated health advocate will help you:
- Obtain information and resources about your condition
- Create a plan to help improve your health (based on your goals)
- Understand medications and doctor’s orders
- Make more educated decisions about your health and treatment options
To initiate a confidential, one-on-one conversation, call
or visit mycigna.com.800-244-6224 Cancer Support Program - Whether you have cancer—or are a cancer survivor—you can get one-on-one support to help you with everything from understanding your diagnosis to discussing your health care provider’s treatment to celebrating survivorship. The personal nurse advocate will help:
- Address immediate needs and concerns
- Understand your diagnosis, medications, and treatment options
- Coordinate follow-up care and screenings
- Understand your health plan benefits and find quality providers in your area
- Find quality local support groups and facilities
- Manage post-cancer care and support
For additional information, call
or visit mycigna.com.800-615-2909 Healthy Babies Program - Cigna’s Healthy Babies prenatal care and education materials provide information and support—from prenatal to post-delivery. Get help throughout your pregnancy:
- Maternity specialists are available over the phone 24/7 to help you with everything from morning sickness to maternity benefits.
- Support from a case manager if you're hospitalized during your pregnancy or if your baby is in the NICU. Download the Cigna Healthy Pregnancy app to track and learn about pregnancy. The app also provides support for the baby’s first two years.
For additional information, call the number on the back of the Cigna ID card.
Cigna Airrosti - Airrosti is an in-network benefit for Cigna health plan members nationwide that provides rapid recovery treatment for soft tissue injuries and pain. Virtual and in-clinic options available. Your Airrosti provider will prescribe a customized recovery plan specifically for your injury and recovery goals. Your individualized recovery plan will be delivered through a user-friendly app and will include a Remote Recovery Kit with at-home recovery tools tailored to your injury - shipped right to your front door. Depending on your injury, your kit may include:*
- Half and Full Foam Rollers*
- AccuMasssager*
- Lacrosse Ball*
- Resistance Bands and Loops
- Kinesio Tape
- Phone Holder
- Bag with myofascial release balls
Resources
- Lifestyle Management
Cigna Lifestyle Management Program
Whether your goal is to lose weight, quit tobacco, or lower stress levels, Cigna lifestyle management programs can help - and at no additional cost to you! Each program is easy to use and available where and when you need it. You can use each program online or over the phone—or both. To sign up for any of the lifestyle management programs, visit mycigna.com or call 800-Cigna24.- Weight Management - Reach your goal of maintaining a healthy weight. Create a personal healthy-living plan that will help you build your confidence, be more active, and eat healthier. You'll get the support you need to stick with it.
- Tobacco Cessation - Get the help that you need to finally quit tobacco. Create a personal quit plan with a realistic quit date. You'll even receive free over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy (patch or gum).
- Stress Management - Get help lowering your stress levels and raising your happiness levels. Learn what causes you stress and develop a personal stress management plan. Get the support you need to help you cope with stressful situations - both on and off the job.