New to Benefits
Welcome to Dartmouth! Starting a new role is an exciting time, and we want to make your transition as smooth as possible. Your benefits are a key part of how Dartmouth invests in you and your family. We have gathered the tools and resources you need below to help you make the best decisions for your health and your future.
Your Step-by-Step Guide
Not sure where to begin? Our New Hire Guide walks you through your eligibility, plan options, and the enrollment process.
We’re Here to Help
Have questions as you review your options? Our specialists are ready to guide you. For the fastest response, please email our shared mailbox:
Email: Human.Resources.Benefits@dartmouth.edu
Phone: (603) 646-3588
Important: Your 30-Day Enrollment Window
Log in to FlexOnline within 30 days of becoming benefits eligible to make your benefit elections. Please note: if no action is taken, you will be automatically enrolled in default coverage and the associated premiums will be deducted from your pay.
Jump to a section
Getting Started Enrolling in Benefits Eligibility Choosing Your Coverage Dependents and Changes Wellness and Support
Getting Started
Your Orientation Experience
To help you settle in, within your first 30 days of benefits eligibility you will receive an email invitation to Dartmouth's New Employee Orientation (NEO). You can choose to attend a live Zoom session to ask questions in real time or watch our video-on-demand presentations at your own pace.
Didn't receive your invitation? Please reach out to Human Resources at (603) 646-3411 or Human.Resources@dartmouth.edu.
FlexOnline
All of your benefit elections happen in one place: FlexOnline. This is the tool you will use to select your initial coverage, make changes after a life event, and update your plans during Open Enrollment each year.
Get started with Access your FlexOnline benefits here. Simply log in with your single sign-on NetID and password to begin. More about FlexOnline.
Tools to Help You Choose
We want you to feel confident in the choices you make for your health and your future. Use these resources to learn more about your benefits in detail:
- Benefits Guide: a full overview of all benefits available to you, based on your employment category. Read the 2026 guide (PDF). The 2027 guide, in PDF and online, is coming soon.
- Benefits website: your hub for detailed information on how each benefit works, how to file claims, and plan cost comparisons. Start here: Health & Wellbeing.
- Wellness benefits: as a new benefits-eligible employee, you need to elect a wellness benefit in FlexOnline within 30 days of becoming eligible. There is no cost to you. If you do not select a wellness benefit, you will be automatically enrolled in the Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA).
Enrolling in Benefits
Your 30-Day Window
You have 30 days from the date you become benefits eligible to make your benefit elections through FlexOnline. We encourage you to review your options and make your selections early to ensure your coverage begins on time.
What happens if I don't make a selection?
If no action is taken within the 30-day window, you will be automatically enrolled in a selection of basic level benefits you are eligible for.
Your default benefits if you take no action
These apply where you are eligible. Which of them you receive depends on your benefit class and your individual eligibility.
- Cigna Choice Fund (CCF) medical plan, with employee-only coverage
- Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA)
- Employer-paid Basic Life insurance
- Employer-paid accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
- Short-term disability (STD) at the 50% coverage level, with the premium paid by Dartmouth
- Employer-paid business travel accident insurance
Not sure which apply to you? Contact the Benefits Office.
Understanding the Cost
If you are auto-enrolled in the CCF medical plan, you are responsible for the cost of that coverage for the remainder of the calendar year.
Don't need medical coverage?
If you do not want medical coverage through Dartmouth, you must still log in to FlexOnline and waive it. Please do this within 30 days of becoming benefits eligible to avoid automatic enrollment and payroll deductions.
Pro Tip: Your actual cost may be lower!
The cost estimates provided do not reflect Dartmouth's contributions to the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). For those selecting the Cigna Choice Fund or the High-Deductible Health Plan with HRA, these contributions will further reduce your total annual cost.
Eligibility
Who Is Eligible for Benefits?
- Employees who are regularly scheduled to work at least half of the normal full schedule, at least nine months each year.
- Regular benefits-eligible employees working less than full time receive pro-rated benefits according to their percentage of full-time work.
- Temporary employees, and regular employees working less than half time, are not eligible for benefits.
The amount you pay in premiums depends on the number of hours you work and your annual salary. This is important to know when you consider a change in hours or full time equivalency (FTE). If your assignment changes, check with your supervisor or the Benefits Office to see whether your benefits will be affected.
When Do Benefits Begin?
Benefits start on your date of hire, the date your employment status becomes benefits eligible, or the date of your mid-year qualifying life status event. If you incur expenses before you enroll, ask your provider to mail the bill to you. Once you receive your ID card, call the provider's office with your ID card information and ask them to resubmit the claim.
What Is Dartmouth's Plan Year?
Dartmouth's benefits run on a calendar plan year, from January 1 through December 31. Some benefits are prorated based on your start date or benefits eligibility date.
What Is My Benefit Employment Category?
Your employment category determines which benefits you are eligible for. Contact your supervisor if you're unsure which category you fall into, and check medical rates and benefit eligibility any time you change categories.
| Employment category | Who is included |
|---|---|
| Exempt | Faculty (visiting or tenure track), Research Staff (Research Associate C, Research Scientist, Research Analyst, and Research Engineers), and Exempt Staff (salaried staff). These employees are exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act. |
| Non-Exempt | Employees paid by the hour who are not exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act. This includes Non-Exempt Staff, Non Union Service Staff, and IATSE union members. It does not include SEIU union members. |
| SEIU | Dartmouth employees who are members of the Service Employees International Union. SEIU members are paid by the hour and are not exempt from overtime pay. All other union employees fall into the Exempt or Non-Exempt category, based on their pay frequency. |
| Research Associate B (RAB) | Grant or Dartmouth-funded employees (other than those on certain kinds of training grants) with an appointment of more than nine months and less than three years. RABs are exempt from overtime pay. |
| Research Fellow | A post-doctoral trainee on an NRSA or T32 training grant with an appointment of at least nine months and less than three years. Research Fellows are exempt from overtime pay and are paid with non-taxable wages. |
Choosing Your Coverage
Cost of Benefits
Use the Benefit Plan Cost Estimator at any time to find your monthly medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability, and supplemental plan rates. You'll need your annual base salary and FTE, which are typically on your original offer letter. You can also ask the Benefits Office for your FTE and employment category.
Price Your Medications
Understanding your out-of-pocket medication costs can help you choose a medical plan. Express Scripts offers a "Price a Medication" tool at express-scripts.com/Dartmouth, where you can see the monthly or 90-day cost of a medication under each medical plan.
Note: if the tool shows a high cost under the HDHP, the medication may be eligible for assistance through the PillarRx copay assistance program at little to no cost.
Choosing a Medical Plan
Dartmouth offers several medical plans, from a lower-deductible plan with copays for office visits to a high deductible health plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Choosing can feel overwhelming. Compare the plans on the Health & Wellbeing pages.
Ask Emma is a decision-making tool inside FlexOnline. Enter your family's anticipated medical services for the year, and Emma ranks each plan from least to most cost effective. Try different scenarios. To use Emma, click "Start with Audio" when prompted while electing benefits in FlexOnline.
Note: Emma doesn't include the amount Dartmouth contributes to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) if you choose the Cigna Choice Fund or the High Deductible Health Plan with HRA. Subtract that amount from Emma's estimated total annual cost.
Dependents and Changes
Who Can You Cover?
You can cover your legal spouse, biological children (ages 0 to 25), and any children for whom you are the legal guardian. These dependents can be covered under your medical, dental, vision, dependent life, and voluntary benefit plans.
Verifying Your Dependents
To add a spouse or children to your medical and dental plans, you will need to provide a bit of documentation, such as a birth or marriage certificate. If you are updating your benefits due to a major life event, you may also need to upload proof of that change. Please note that any foreign documents must be translated and notarized.
See the Dependent Verification page for the full list of required documents.
Having trouble with your documents or unsure of your event date? Reach out to the Benefits Office and we will help you figure it out.
Updating Your Coverage
After you complete your enrollment as a new hire or during the annual Open Enrollment period, your selections are generally set for the plan year. However, if you experience a major life event, you may be able to make changes to your coverage outside of the standard window.
Visit the Life Event Changes page to see if your situation allows for a change.
Understanding Your Payroll Deductions
We want you to have full transparency into how your benefits are funded and what your paychecks mean. To help, we have created a guide that answers the most commonly asked questions about payroll deductions.
Wellness and Support
Your health is about more than just a doctor's visit. We are committed to supporting your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Whether you need a place to start or a professional to lean on, we provide the tools and resources to help you thrive. Explore wellbeing support.
Your Wellness Benefits
As a new benefits-eligible employee, you have 30 days from the date you become benefits eligible to select a wellness benefit in FlexOnline. This benefit is provided at no cost to you. If you do not select a wellness benefit, you will be automatically enrolled in the Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA). Explore the wellness benefit options.
Lyra: Your Faculty/Employee Assistance Program
We believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. Through Lyra, you and your household members have access to world-class, confidential support designed to meet you where you are.
What's included at no cost to you:
- 10 Free Sessions: access to a therapist or coach to help you navigate life's challenges.
- Comprehensive Support: access to self-care resources, as well as legal, financial, and other work-life support.
- Family Coverage: these benefits extend to your household members.
- Total Accessibility: you do not need to be enrolled in a Dartmouth health plan to use Lyra.
Eligibility: Lyra is for active employees paid by Dartmouth College and their household members.
Learn more about Lyra Register with Lyra
One Medical at Dartmouth Primary Care Practice
If you are new to the area, or just looking for a new primary care physician, One Medical may be a good option for you and any of your adult dependents. You must be enrolled in an eligible Dartmouth medical plan. Learn more about One Medical at Dartmouth.
Need help? Contact Benefits | Benefit Plan Cost Estimator | FlexOnline
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