Open Enrollment
Countdown until Open Enrollment begins:
The 2026 Open Enrollment period begins on Monday, October 6 and ends on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 8 pm (ET).
This annual opportunity provides you the chance to reflect upon your current benefit elections and make any needed changes for the upcoming year. As you review the 2026 benefit programs and changes, you are welcome to include your family in the planning process, if applicable.
During this period, you may add or remove eligible dependents and change your benefit elections, with most changes going into effect on January 1, 2026. Changes requested outside of Open Enrollment must be accompanied by a Qualified Life Event (QLE).
Benefits Overview
*On the Go? Download the bswift mobile app, enter our company code GWbenefitscenter, along with your GWID and password (date of birth in MMDDYYYY format), and take your GW benefits with you wherever you go.
Open Enrollment Microsite Guide
We know how important your GW benefits are to you and your family. Being able to easily access your benefits and quickly find the information you value will help you get the most from your benefits.
Coming soon, you'll be able to access the online GW Open Enrollment Guides to support your enrollment choices. Select your relevant population from the guide options listed to begin.
Please note: While the Open Enrollment Guide continues to be a resource to access information about your benefit offerings, it remains separate from the GW benefits enrollment system.
2026 Open Enrollment Events
This year’s Open Enrollment period will offer both in-person and virtual opportunities for support.
We invite you to join us for our annual in-person Fest experience held during October as well as our benefits enrollment support drop-in. Activities differ among each Fest and range from complimentary vision screenings and vaccine clinics to the Human Resource Management & Development Fall Social, massages, and more! You can also stop by the Fests to speak directly with GW benefit plan providers and receive assistance with the enrollment process. We will also be offering webinars led by our benefits’ vendor partners to provide details about the 2026 benefit programs as well as tools and resources available. Aetna will also hold 1:1 appointments during Open Enrollment, providing opportunities to get personalized support.
Please join us and be on the lookout for chances to win exciting prizes and gift cards throughout Open Enrollment.
What Happens If I Don't Take Action?
If you choose not to take action, your existing coverage options, including medical/prescription, will roll over into the next year with the exception of the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) and Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) options, which require you to actively re-enroll each year.
As in previous years, our Benefits Call Center and our team are here to help you along the way.
Resources
Call Center Hours
The Benefits Call Center will be available during the Open Enrollment period to address any benefits questions or concerns and/or assist with enrollment. The call center is ready to assist you Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. (ET).
Faculty, Staff, Postdocs, and ACA Participants: Call 833-698-0324.
LTD Recipients, Retirees, and COBRA Participants: Call 866-365-2413.