Benefits Expos and Health Screenings

During Open Enrollment, Columbia University Benefits hosts free on-site events for faculty and staff to help you understand your benefits and health.

The Benefits Expos feature Human Resources representatives and vendor partners who assist with information and questions. See below for the list of partners who were in attendance for this Open Enrollment season.

The events also have biometric screenings, flu vaccines, ergonomics, stretch and meditation sessions, and more!

Registration

Registration is closed, and the Health Screenings have concluded for the current Open Enrollment season. We'll see you next year.

Biometric health screenings on campus

Attendees at the Benefits Expo on the CUIMC campus.

Screening Information and Resources

Biometric Screening

For all faculty and staff – at no cost you to – biometric screenings are here to help you to understand the state of your health. Keep track of your yearly numbers. You can take the necessary steps to improve them (if needed). This is a simple finger-stick.

  • Body composition: Height, weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist circumference
  • Blood pressure
  • A blood sample to test cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose (sugar) levels

After your health screening, you will receive a personal copy of the results and a health education booklet with easy-to-understand explanations for each test.

For accurate screening results, fasting is recommended, but not required. If you eat, you may still get screened.

Flu Vaccines

Location: Morningside and Manhattanville campuses

No prior registration needed, limited quantities.

Get your free flu vaccine administered by Quest Diagnostics. Seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. Protection against the flu begins about two weeks after administration of the vaccine.

The vaccine is a Quadrivalent vaccine that offers a broad spectrum of vaccination against four different strains of the influenza virus, including both A & B strains.

Ineligible groups:

Employees that fall into one of the following groups are deemed ineligible to receive a flu shot at a Quest Diagnostics on-site event:

  • Pregnant or nursing women
  • Those with a severe chicken feather or egg allergy
  • Those allergic to thimerosal
  • Those who have had a previous reaction to the flu vaccine
  • Those under the age of 18
  • Those with an illness and/or fever at the time of vaccination
  • Other medical conditions may preclude persons from receiving vaccination (as noted on the consent form)

Members falling into one of those groups listed above should consult with their primary care physicians to be vaccinated.

Vendor Participants

After your preventive screening, stop by the benefits vendors to speak with specialists from Columbia Benefits along with representatives from plan providers.

Human Resources – Benefits Representatives

Columbia University offers a full range of benefits to help you and your eligible dependents stay healthy, build long-term financial security for retirement, and meet educational goals. Representatives from CU Health and Welfare, Tuition, and Retirement will be available for any questions.   

UnitedHealthcare

Columbia University offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well and protect yourself and your family. The benefits package includes competitive high-quality healthcare benefits, wellness programs, and resources from UHC. Speak to a UnitedHealthcare representative at the event and see what options are available for 2024.

Columbia Doctors

We are leading the way and delivering today’s most advanced care. We can help you and your family to thrive, at convenient locations throughout the tristate area. Stop by to learn more about the excellent primary and specialty services provided by ColumbiaDoctors. 

Columbia College of Dental Medicine

Take the opportunity to speak with and learn about the comprehensive, personal care offered by the Columbia College of Dental Medicine. Our state-of-the-art services put all the specialties you need in one place. 

Aetna

The University offers two comprehensive dental plans through Aetna. Both plans cover the same range of services, but differ in cost depending on the plan you choose and the provider you see. Come speak with a representative at the event to learn what is best for you and your dependents.

EBPA (Transit/Parking Reimbursement Program)

EBPA's Parking and Transit Benefits are a great way to save money while commuting or parking for work. If you take public transportation to work or pay for parking, EBPA can help you save them money by paying Parking and Transit expenses with pre-tax dollars. EBPA makes it quick and easy for your employees to pay for eligible transit and parking expenses. Access real time account balances and activity, you decide how much money to load on your cards, up to the maximum allowed on a monthly basis. 

MetLife (Legal)

MetLife Legal Services offers easy access to the legal help you need for the common legal issues many people face. The legal plan is built around your needs and offers you an experienced attorney network, access to digital tools, comprehensive coverage, cost-effective legal help and more. Speak with a representative from MetLife to learn more about the new Legal voluntary benefit.

MetLife (Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity Insurance)

Voluntary benefits with MetLife. Obtain critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity insurance with MetLife. Current policyholders will automatically be enrolled with MetLife January 1, 2024. Come speak with a representative at the event to learn more.

See how MetLife has you covered for Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the study of people in their working environment. The ergonomics program aims to promote comfort and establish safety while empowering your overall well-being in the workspace. Program offerings include engaging university, school, and departmental workshops, ergonomic sweeps featuring mini evaluations for large groups, and one on one evaluations. Visit the Columbia Ergonomics Program for more information.

Stop by to ask questions, gain support, and participate in 10-minute stretch & meditation sessions during the event!

One Pass

One Pass gives you everything you need for a healthy body and mind with the convenience of a single program. With One Pass you have the flexibility to try different gyms and fitness classes to find something you love. Choose your membership level and get one easy, affordable plan available to you and eligible family members. One Pass gives you access to any gym in your chosen network tier, local fitness studios, and thousands of virtual classes. Grocery and home essentials delivery are included, except for digital tier.

Speak with a representative to see what tier is best for you.

Office of Work/Life

Columbia University's Office of Work/Life fosters the well-being of the Columbia community and its people in their pursuit of meaningful and productive academic, personal, and work lives. Meet our team to learn how we can support you and your family in the areas of early education, child care and schooling, breastfeeding, non-Columbia housing, elder care, back-up care, cultivating well-being, and understanding Columbia's work/life-related policies, benefits, and resources.

TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks)

TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) is Columbia University’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a network of free or discounted services to support your personal success and help with everyday challenges. Access self-help tools, healthy living resources, and legal and referral services. Employees and their household members have six free sessions with a certified counselor per topic. 

See how TELUS can meet your needs – come speak to a representative. 

Vanguard 

Vanguard is a retirement plan provider for Columbia faculty and staff. At Vanguard you're more than just an investor, you're an owner. Our owners have access to personalized financial advice, high-quality investments, retirement tools, and relevant market insights that help you build a future for those you love. Become and owner – come speak to a representative at the events.

TIAA

TIAA is one of the providers of Columbia's retirement planning and financial savings plans. Take charge of your future and learn ways to save and invest to help you prepare for your retirement. TIAA representatives will be on-site to help.

OptumRx

The University prescription plan is administered by OptumRx. OptumRx helps members manage pharmacy benefits without walking into a pharmacy. You can use the app or website to view all your medications, transfer eligible medications to home delivery, refill home delivery prescriptions, check order status, set up automatic refills and more. Come speak to a representative on your prescription service needs.

 
2024 Open Enrollment: October 30 - November 17, 2023

Need more help? Contact the Columbia Benefits Service Center by phone: 212-851-7000, or email: [email protected].

Legal Notices