Is LifeX Insurance?

Why LifeX is a health data and research organization, and how Research Associates access employee health benefits.

It is one of the most common questions about LifeX Research. The short answer: no. LifeX Research Corporation is a health data and research organization, not an insurance company. This post explains how the role and the benefits fit together.

LifeX collects and analyzes health data to advance longevity, healthy aging and overall wellness for everyone. Its mission is to improve health and reduce healthcare costs for the American workforce by proactively addressing conditions that lower quality of life.

Research Associates are part-time W-2 employees of LifeX Research who voluntarily take part in health data collection activities, such as surveys, wellness videos, quizzes and logging vitals. Activities are completed when requested in the Employee Wellness Hub (EWH), a secure, personal online portal. Most take 15 minutes or less, and Research Associates earn $40 per hour for the time spent.

Research Associates who qualify for employment can enroll in the LifeX employee health benefit plan. The plan is:

• An ERISA-governed, self-funded employee health benefit plan, not an insurance product
• Governed by federal law (ERISA) rather than state insurance rules
• Administered by TPA Exchange (TPAX) for all LifeX plans (VL, Major Medical, HSA and Copay PPO); the plan administrator handles claims and benefits
• Available only through employment with LifeX Research

• PHCS PPO: the in-network option in every state except New York and New Jersey
• MagnaCare PPO: the only in-network option in New York and New Jersey

Always confirm with a provider's office that they accept the network shown on your ID card before scheduling care.

Check your doctors: visit our Find a Doctor page.

• Preventive care paid at 100% of the allowable amount in-network
• 24/7 telemedicine through OurLiveDoc
• Prescription benefits
• Humana dental, vision and life, available to add at enrollment

Individual health data is never sold. LifeX shares only population-level, anonymized insights with Research Partners, the external organizations that collaborate on LifeX research.

Is LifeX an insurance company?

No. LifeX Research Corporation is a health data and research organization.

Is the plan health insurance?

No. It is an ERISA-governed, self-funded employee health benefit plan, available through employment.

Who processes claims?

The plan administrator, TPA Exchange (TPAX), for all LifeX plans (VL, Major Medical, HSA and Copay PPO). LifeX Research does not process claims or provide medical advice.

Does everyone qualify?

No. Benefits are available to Research Associates who qualify for employment. Every application is reviewed.

For full plan details, coverages and exclusions, refer to your plan documents and Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). Questions? Contact your certified recruiter.

LifeX Research is a health data and research organization and doesn't process claims itself. Claims are handled by the plan's third-party administrator, TPA Exchange.

Clean claims are typically processed in 7 to 10 business days and paid within about two weeks after they're processed. A claim that's missing information can take longer.

The most common reasons are a claim sent to the wrong place, missing information, or a non-emergency procedure done without pre-certification. Pre-certification is required for all non-emergency procedures, and your provider requests it. Emergencies don't need pre-certification. If a claim is rejected, your provider can correct it and resubmit it.

If your provider was in-network with Cigna but not PHCS, claims are paid as in-network through December 31, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, LifeX employer benefits utilize the PHCS network, and MagnaCare in New York and New Jersey. Check that your doctors are in the 2027 network before open enrollment ends on December 5.

Show them your ID card from the Employee Wellness Hub and call the eligibility line on your card. A representative can verify your benefits and speak with the office directly.

Send an appeal letter to your plan administrator with any supporting information, such as bills, records or a letter from your doctor. Keep copies of everything you send.

Employee Wellness Hub access: help@lifexresearch.com or 866-844-0562.

Questions during open enrollment: the RA Support Hub at support.everon.tech/support/ra-support.

You can also contact Smart Insurance Strategies. We'll help you check a claim's status, gather what you need and get it to the right place. Call (704) 940-6654, text (704) 360-0462 or visit www.smartinsurancestrategies.com.