Open Enrollment
Countdown until Open Enrollment begins:
The 2027 Open Enrollment period will begin on Monday, October 5 and end on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 8pm 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 2027 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, 2027. 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.
You can 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.
2027 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 visit the Open Enrollment Fests to connect directly with GW benefit plan providers, ask questions, and receive personalized enrollment support. In addition, we will be offering a series of webinars hosted by our benefits vendor partners, covering the 2027 benefits programs as well as the tools, resources, and services available to help you navigate your options and maximize your benefits. Aetna will also offer opportunities to connect 1:1 to provide personalized guidance when comparing plan options including costs, coverage and more.
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.
Open Enrollment Resources
- Summaries of Medical Benefits and Coverage
2026 Summaries of Medical Benefits and Coverage (SBCs):
- Summaries of Dental Benefits
2026 Summaries of Dental Benefits:
- Summaries of Vision Benefits
2026 Summaries of Vision Benefits:
The Benefits Overview provides a summary of the changes and enhancements this Open Enrollment season.
The annual Open Enrollment Guide, provides information on the 2023 benefit offerings, rates, resources, and other decision tools to help guide your enrollment process.
- 2023 Leadership Letter to the Community (PDF)
- 2023 Benefits Overview (PDF)
- 2023 Open Enrollment Guide (PDF)
- 2023 Full-time Employee Medical Contribution Rates (PDF)
- 2023 Part-time Employee Medical Contribution Rates (PDF)
- 2023 Medical Comparison Chart of HSP and PPO Medical Plans (PDF)
- Preventive Drug List for GW HSP medical plan (PDF) - Coming Soon!
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.