As a Yale faculty or staff member, you have access to one of the most comprehensive and affordable healthcare programs in the nation. We encourage you to explore your benefits options and take advantage of the benefits available to you. For detailed plan comparison charts, deductibles, and job classification-specific information, visit the benefits enrollment page.
Medical Options
Yale Health
Yale Health is more than just a health insurance option—it’s an integral part of the Yale community, designed exclusively for Yale University faculty, retirees, students, staff, and their families. As Yale’s preferred healthcare provider for over 50 years, Yale Health offers a unique, patient-centered approach with nearly all services—primary care, specialty care, diagnostic imaging, urgent care, and a full pharmacy—under one roof. Our physician-led, non-profit model ensures you receive personalized, high-quality care. And if specialized care is needed, you’ll have access to top physicians from Yale School of Medicine. With emergency care coverage worldwide, you’re protected wherever life takes you. It’s no wonder that nearly 80% of Yale staff trust Yale Health with their healthcare. Join us and experience the convenience, care, and community that only Yale Health can offer.
Aetna
Alternatively, you may choose to enroll in Yale’s Aetna program. This includes coverage through the Aetna Smart Care High-Deductible Health Plan, which comes with a Health Savings Account (HSA) and complimentary accident coverage. The accident coverage provides lump-sum benefits for certain covered accidents and hospital stays at no cost to you or your covered dependents. If you enroll in the Aetna Smart Care High-Deductible Health Plan and elect an HSA, Yale will make an annual contribution to your HSA in the amount of $850, $1,275, or $1,700, depending on your coverage level.
New for 2026: Eligible employees can access the Hello Heart app at no cost to easily track your blood pressure and manage your heart health all in one place. Select your job class below for more information.
Aetna Coverage by Job Classification
After you complete three years of service, you may remain a member of Yale Health or eligible staff can enroll in either Aetna Smart Care with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Aetna Select through Yale’s Aetna program. If you participate in the Aetna Smart Care Plan and elect an HSA, the university will provide an annual deposit of $850, $1,275 or $1,700 depending on your coverage election, into your account. You can open a Health Savings Account (HSA) anytime to cover eligible healthcare expenses. Unused funds will roll over from year to year—and earn interest. If you contribute to an HSA, you can also open a limited purpose FSA to cover certain dental and vision expenses. Aetna members enjoy access to:
Aetna Smart Care Accident Coverage
Aetna Smart Care accident coverage provides lumpsum benefits for covered accidents and some hospital stays, free of charge, for you and your covered dependents.
Aetna Minute Clinic®
Aetna Minute Clinic a walk-in medical clinic, located in select CVS pharmacy locations and Target stores—offers preventative health screenings, routine immunizations, women’s services, treatment of minor illnesses and injuries and more. Access is free for Aetna members, but there is a charge for Aetna Smart Care participants.
Progyny Fertility and Family Building Assistance
Fertility benefits designed to provide you with comprehensive coverage, personalized support, and high-quality care for fertility treatments, available to benefit eligible clerical and technical staff enrolled in Aetna Smart Care.
Hello Heart
C&T, S&M, and security staff who are enrolled in Aetna Smart Care receive this benefit at no cost, including a free smartphone-connected blood pressure monitor delivered to your home. The Hello Heart app helps you easily track blood pressure, cholesterol, medication and more all in one place.
You are eligible to enroll in either Aetna Smart Care with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Aetna Choice through Yale’s Aetna program. If you participate in the Aetna Smart Care Plan and elect an HSA, the university will provide an annual deposit of $850, $1,275 or $1,700 depending on your coverage election, into your account. You can open a Health Savings Account (HSA) anytime to cover eligible healthcare expenses. Unused funds will roll over from year to year—and earn interest. If you contribute to an HSA, you can also open a limited purpose FSA to cover certain dental and vision expenses. Aetna members enjoy access to:
Aetna Smart Care Accident Coverage
Aetna Smart Care accident coverage provides lumpsum benefits for covered accidents and some hospital stays, free of charge, for you and your covered dependents.
Aetna Minute Clinic®
Aetna Minute Clinic–a walk-in medical clinic, located in select CVS pharmacy locations and Target stores–offers preventative health screenings, routine immunizations, women’s services, treatment of minor illnesses and injuries and more. Access is free for Aetna members, but there is a charge for Aetna Smart Care participants.
Progyny Fertility, Family Building and Surrogacy Assistance
Fertility and surrogacy benefits provide comprehensive coverage, personalized support, and high-quality care for fertility treatments as well as expense reimbursement for surrogacy.
Hello Heart
Eligible employees who are enrolled in an Aetna program receive this benefit at no cost, including a free smartphone-connected blood pressure monitor delivered to your home. The Hello Heart app helps you easily track blood pressure, cholesterol, medication and more all in one place.
Aetna Global
Aetna Global is a medical program offered to eligible faculty and staff during approved university assignment abroad for a minimum of six consecutive months.
You are eligible to enroll in either Aetna Smart Care or Aetna Choice through Yale’s Aetna program.
Aetna Smart Care Accident Coverage
Aetna Smart Care accident coverage provides lumpsum benefits for covered accidents and some hospital stays, free of charge, for you and your covered dependents.
Aetna Minute Clinic®
Aetna Minute Clinic–a walk-in medical clinic, located in select CVS pharmacy locations and Target stores–offers preventative health screenings, routine immunizations, women’s services, treatment of minor illnesses and injuries and more. Access is free for Aetna members, but there is a charge for Aetna Smart Care participants.
Progyny Fertility, Family Building and Surrogacy Assistance
Fertility and surrogacy benefits provide comprehensive coverage, personalized support, and high-quality care for fertility treatments as well as expense reimbursement for surrogacy.
Hello Heart
Eligible employees who are enrolled in an Aetna program receive this benefit at no cost, including a free smartphone-connected blood pressure monitor delivered to your home. The Hello Heart app helps you easily track blood pressure, cholesterol, medication and more all in one place.
After you complete three years of service, you may remain a member of Yale Health or choose the Legacy Aetna Choice POS II plan for your medical coverage. If you participate in the Aetna Smart Care Plan and elect an HSA, the university will provide an annual deposit of $850, $1,275 or $1,700 depending on your coverage election, into your account. You can open a Health Savings Account (HSA) anytime to cover eligible healthcare expenses. Unused funds will roll over from year to year–and earn interest. If you contribute to an HSA, you can also open a limited purpose FSA to cover certain dental and vision expenses. Aetna members enjoy access to:
Aetna Smart Care Accident Coverage
Aetna Smart Care accident coverage provides lumpsum benefits for covered accidents and some hospital stays, free of charge, for you and your covered dependents.
Aetna Minute Clinic®
Aetna Minute Clinic–a walk-in medical clinic, located in select CVS pharmacy locations and Target stores–offers preventative health screenings, routine immunizations, women’s services, treatment of minor illnesses and injuries and more. Access is free for Aetna members, but there is a charge for Aetna Smart Care participants.
Progyny Fertility and Family Building Assistance
Fertility benefits designed to provide you with comprehensive coverage, personalized support, and high-quality care for fertility treatments, available to benefit eligible YPBA staff enrolled in Aetna Smart Care or Aetna Choice.
Hello Heart
YPBA staff who are enrolled in Aetna Choice or Aetna Smart Care receive this benefit at no cost, including a free smartphone-connected blood pressure monitor delivered to your home. The Hello Heart app helps you easily track blood pressure, cholesterol, medication and more all in one place.
In This Section
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
With a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can reduce your taxable earnings and receive reimbursement of eligible out-of-pocket expenses. Yale offers two kinds of FSA: health care and dependent care FSA. You must enroll or re-enroll in an FSA during Yale’s annual enrollment. Remember to plan carefully as your FSA funds will not roll over to the following year.
Additional Health Programs
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Hinge Health
Yale has partnered with Hinge Health, a virtual physical therapy exercise program, to support back, muscle, and joint health.
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Health Coaching
Free, confidential one-on-one coaching with registered nurses to help you achieve your health goals.
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Ovia Health
Personalized support for every life stage, from conceiving, pregnancy, parenting, midlife, and peri/menopause.
Review the medical, dental, & vision plan documents for additional information.
Dental
Delta Dental is Yale’s exclusive dental carrier. Participating providers offer high-quality care with a generous maximum annual spending allowance. With Delta Dental, you will pay less for in-network care, and you can access any dentist in- or out-of-network. The choice is yours.
The plan covers:
- Preventive and diagnostic care – for example cleanings and X-rays
- Restorative care – for example. fillings, root canals
- Major services such as crowns
To manage the cost of your care, Delta Dental offers two in-network provider options:
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) - Dentists within this network have deeper discounts with Delta Dental which minimizes your out-of-pocket expenses.
Premier - Dentists within this network also offer discounts, but these are less than the discounts within the PPO network.
Review the dental plan documents and plan overview for additional information.
Vision
EyeMed offers two coverage options: EyeMed Basic, which provides allowances for frames and lenses, and EyeMed Enhanced, which also covers eye exams and more frequent hardware allowances along with other enhancements, including:
- contact lens fittings
- polycarbonate lenses
- frames every 12 months
- An annual eye exam (In addition to the Yale health plan and Aetna eye exam)
Review the EyeMed benefits summary documents for additional information.
COBRA
COBRA is a continuation of medical, dental, and vision coverage offered to faculty, staff, their spouse, and dependent children upon termination of employment with the university, or due to certain qualifying life events. The COBRA coverage period can range from 18 to 36 months depending on the qualifying event. Contact Employee Services at 203-432-5552 for more information.