Benefits
OPA is here to assist all postdocs with their benefits. Postdocs must
sign up for benefits within 31 days of hire.
There are many benefits to working at Columbia University. Through its storied relationship with New York City, the University is able to provide many discounts to its employees.
Health Benefits
Health Benefits
A Postdoc's health benefits can be determined, in large part, by his/her title.
A Postdoctoral Research Scientist/Scholar and any Postdoctoral Clinical Fellow who is a full-time Assistant in the Clinical Department, as an employee, has fringe benefit costs charged to his/her salary and is able to choose among various healthcare plans offered to all other employees at the University. For more information about the various healthcare plans and the monthly pre-tax contribution costs for medical coverage, please visit to the Human Resources website and review the “Benefits Highlights” at http://hr.columbia.edu/benefits.
A Postdoctoral Research Fellow and any Postdoctoral Clinical Fellow* on a stipend is not considered an employee. He/she can enroll in a university health care plan, however the premium is at a higher rate. For more information on the healthcare plan options and the monthly costs, please visit the Human Resources benefits page for Postdoctoral Fellows http://hr.columbia.edu/benefits/postdocs.
*Postdoctoral Fellows who are appointed by the Medical Center are also eligible to enroll in the Medical Center’s Student Health Services’ Aetna Health Plan. It is a lower cost alternative although it is less robust in coverage options. This option is only available to Postdoc Fellows at the Medical Center.
CUMC SHS Postdoc Fellow Insurance Information and Forms
Dental Coverage
All Postdocs are eligible for Columbia Dental Insurance, regardless of their health care coverage.
The Columbia Dental Associates Student Dental Plan covers semi-annual oral examinations, x-rays, and prophylaxis. There is a 25% discount on non-covered services. The cost is $180 per year (8/1-7/31). Care is provided by dental fellows.
Enrollment Period: 8/1-1/31
The Aetna Columbia Dental Plan covers routine cleanings, basic fillings, and x-rays. It also covers 60% major restorative care and 50% Orthodontia care. The current cost is $19 per month for Postdoctoral Research Scientists/Scholars and $44 per month for Postdoctoral Research Fellows. For more information, Postdoctoral Research Scientists/Scholars should visit the “Benefits in Brief” at http://hr.columbia.edu/benefits/ and Postdoctoral Research Fellows should visit http://hr.columbia.edu/benefits/postdocs.
Postdoctoral Fellows who are appointed by the Medical Center and are enrolled in the Medical Center’s Student Health Services’ Aetna Health Plan also have the option to sign up for the Aetna Advantage Dental Plan (this plan is administered by the Medical Center Student Health Services). Please note that enrollment for this plan occurs each year in September and February.
Time Off
Postdoctoral Research Scientists/Scholars and Postdoctoral Clinical Fellows (f/t AiC), earn two days of vacation for each month of appointment, up to a maximum of twenty-three days. They are eligible for all University Holidays. Periods of leave are excluded in determining vacation privileges. Vacation time may not be accumulated beyond June 30 of the year following the one in which it was earned. Unused vacation cannot be translated into monetary pay except upon termination of appointment.
Postdoctoral Research and Clinical Fellows are entitled to the same rights to vacation as postdoctoral research scientists/scholars unless the provisions of the granting agency specify otherwise.
Child Care / Schools
Child Care Options – Columbia has teamed up with the neighborhood to provide assistance for faculty and staff. Search for Nursery Schools, Pre-school, and even babysitters through this service.
School Search Service – Helps families through the daunting task of searching for a school that will best fit the need of their children. All education levels, from grade school to high school, are covered in this service.
Backup Care – The University provides access to backup care to support you during a temporary change or disruption in normal care arrangements, or when you have an unexpected need to provide short-term care for others. During times when other care options are not available and you don't want to take time off from work or study, you have backup care to consider as a resource.
Extras
This is a listing of discounts you can utilize with your Columbia ID or UNI.
Purchasing – Many services such as airlines, car rentals, and computer retailers provide discounts to Columbia affiliates.
CU Arts Initiative – Receive discounts for Broadway shows and movie tickets.
Working Advantage – Provides discounts and reward programs. Sign up for the weekly mailing list to receive updates on local discounts. Columbia’s Corporate ID is 99042065.