ACA Open Enrollment Benefits Overview
2024 Open Enrollment Period: October 9 - 27, 2023
Welcome to the 2024 Benefits Open Enrollment season!
Open Enrollment begins on Monday, October 9, 2023, and closes at 8 p.m. (ET) on Friday, October 27, 2023.
Open Enrollment provides an annual opportunity to reflect upon your current benefit elections and make any needed changes for the upcoming 2024 calendar year, including adding or removing eligible dependents. Any changes that you make to your health plans must be completed during the 2024 Open Enrollment period*, with changes going into effect on January 1, 2024.
If you choose not to take action, your existing coverage options from 2023 will roll over into 2024.
Open Enrollment Fests
This year’s Open Enrollment period will offer both in-person and virtual opportunities for support. We invite you to join us for our newly imagined OE Fest* experience featuring an in-person scavenger hunt with games and activities differing among each Fest. Activities range from wellness trivia, to a photo booth, yoga class and more! You can also stop by the Fests to speak directly with GW benefit plan providers and receive assistance with the enrollment process. During our virtual week, we will offer webinars led by our partners to provide details about the 2024 medical plans as well as tools and resources available. Learn more at go.gwu.edu/2024oeevents. Benefits’ vendor partners will also hold 1:1 appointments throughout Open Enrollment, providing opportunities to get personalized support. Please mark your calendar and be on the lookout for chances to win exciting prizes and swag this Open Enrollment season.
Our Benefits Call Center and our team are always here to help you along the way.
Be well,
GW Benefits
*Changes requested outside of Open Enrollment must be accompanied by a Qualified Life Event.
Online Enrollment via the new GW Benefits Enrollment System
During the Open Enrollment season, employees will elect benefits through the GW benefits enrollment system, which has single sign-on capability. When you are logged into your GWcomputer with your UserID and password, you will automatically be able to enter the enrollment system to elect and/or make changes to benefits for 2024. When logging in to the enrollment system from a non-GW computer, you will be required to enter your GWID and DOB (MMDDYYYY).
Benefits Call Center
The Benefits Call Center is here to support you as you review your benefit elections and make your Open Enrollment decisions. As you elect benefits via the GW benefits enrollment system, benefits counselors are available to help answer questions along the way. The service is available M - F, 8:00 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET. Please have your GWID available.
On the Go? Download the 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.
We are Here to Help
Email any questions to [email protected]. Or, call the Benefits Call Center at (833) 698–0324. Follow @gw_benefits on X (formerly Twitter) for the latest Open Enrollment information, updates, and reminders.
Reminder: Give your address a checkup!
Each year, take some time to review and confirm your Campus, Check & W-4 and Work Location* addresses in GWeb to ensure you receive timely information. Log in to GWeb at banweb.gwu.edu and access the Employee Information tab to confirm and/or update your address information.
*Work Location is defined as the physical location where you are working more than 50% of your time.
Benefits Overview
It is important to prioritize your health and well-being goals. Open Enrollment 2024 provides the opportunity for you to re-evaluate your current workplace benefits and make intentional choices for the year ahead that will allow you to maximize your health and well-being.
Please take a moment to review this summary of what’s new, what’s changing and what’s staying the same for the upcoming year. Join us for a virtual Coffee Chat where we will provide an overview of your 2024 benefit offerings, introduce our re-imagined Open Enrollment Guide and highlight important features of the GW Benefits enrollment system.
NEW! PrudentRx via the GW HSP Pharmacy Benefit
Beginning in January, PrudentRx for specialty medications will be included in the GW HSP Pharmacy Benefit (Note: This program is currently included in the GW PPO Pharmacy Benefit.) This program is designed to lower your out-of-pocket costs by facilitating enrollment in drug manufacturers discount copay cards/assistance programs. When enrolled in PrudentRx, once you’ve met your combined deductible, your out-of-pocket cost will be $0* for medications included on the PrudentRx exclusive specialty drug list.
If you opt out, you will be responsible for the 30% coinsurance. Payments made by you for a medication that does not qualify as an essential health benefit, will not count toward your out-of-pocket maximum.
*HSP participants must meet their combined medical/prescription deductible before the out-of-pocket cost will be $0.
Once enrolled in the GW HSP plan, you will be contacted via phone to enroll in PrudentRx at the time of your first specialty fill for plan year 2024. You must complete any additional enrollment steps with PrudentRx to receive the $0 benefit when applicable. Note: HSP participants must meet their combined medical/prescription deductible before the out-of-pocket cost will be $0.
IMPORTANT: Members must enroll in the PrudentRx program to access $0 copay benefits. Formulary exclusions will supersede this list.
If a participant’s specialty medication is not on the PrudentRx list, then the brand formulary or brand non-formulary plan design will apply.
For additional information, visit https://hr.gwu.edu/prudent.
2024 Medical Contribution Overview
For the 2024 Plan year, participating full-time faculty and staff will experience an increase of 5.8% in their contributions (across all salary bands and plans*).
The monthly employee contribution increase will range from $2 to about $28, depending on your coverage level and salary band.
Below are a couple of examples of the monthly medical contribution increase for a full-time benefits-eligible employee with a salary between $50k and $90k. Please note: Contribution details for all pay frequencies will soon be available in the Open Enrollment Guide.
- If the employee enrolls in the GW HSP for individual coverage, the medical contribution increase will be about $5 per month for 2024.
- If the employee enrolls in the GW HSP with family coverage, the medical contribution increase will be about $18 per month for 2024.
*Please note: There are no changes to the current salary bands and the GW Health Savings Plan (HSP) will continue to be offered. UnitedHealthcare will continue to be the medical benefits administrator for both plans.
Reminder: MFA Tier
The GW HSP medical plans includes a separate benefit coverage tier for Medical Faculty Associates (MFA). When GW medical plan participants see an MFA provider*, they receive lower co-payments and lower employee coinsurance, helping your medical expense dollars go further because a greater portion of your care will be covered by the Plan.
GW employees also have a dedicated phone number to schedule appointments at: 202-677-6000.
*The MFA tier applies to professional charges by MFA providers, MFA behavioral health providers continue to be out of-network.
New Vendor: Bank of America will replace PayFlex as HSA vendor partner
Beginning January 1, 2024, Bank of America will be GW’s vendor partner for the Health Savings Account (HSA) program. Bank of America offers enhanced service (e.g. dedicated customer service phone line) and technology, along with reduced fees including no fees for HSA investment accounts. We invite you to join an upcoming infosession with Bank of America to learn more! Details regarding dates/times will be forthcoming on our Open Enrollment Events calendar.
IMPORTANT!
2023 HSA participants – ACTION NEEDED:
In the coming months you will have the opportunity to select if you wish to keep your HSA balance with PayFlex or have this balance transferred to Bank of America. More information will be forthcoming to help navigate this process.
* Special note - 2023 Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) participants: If you are not eligible for an HSA but participate in the GW HSP and have enrolled in the GW Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) for 2023, PayFlex will continue to administer the 2023 HCFSA program through the end of the claim run-out period. Submit claims incurred January 1, 2023 - March 15, 2024 to PayFlex no later than April 30, 2024. Bank of America will replace PayFlex as GW's flexible spending account vendor for plan year 2024.
Tip: Take Advantage of an HSA
With an HSA, you can set aside pre-tax dollars from your paychecks for eligible healthcare expenses. This type of account can help you cover expected (and unexpected) health expenses while lowering your taxable income, which can save you money.
Tax Advantaged Accounts
2024 Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Limits
(combined employee + GW contribution)
- For those with individual Health Savings Plan (HSP) coverage, the annual maximum for the HSA will increase by $300, from $3,850 to $4,150.
- For those with family HSP coverage, the annual maximum for the HSA will increase by $550, from $7,750 to $8,300.
- GW’s HSA matching contribution continues: GW will match dollar for dollar up to $600 for individuals who contribute at least $600, and up to $1,200 for those covering dependents who contribute at least $1,200.
What's Staying the Same for 2024
Health and Well-being Benefits for those enrolled in the GW HSP
- Castlight
- SimpleTherapy
Pharmacy Benefit Features
- Mandatory Maintenance Choice - All Access with Opt Out
- Diabetes Management Program
Medical Plan Features/Programs
- Centers of Excellence
- Freestanding Imaging and Labs Preferred Network
- Virtual Visits
- GW Medical Faculty Associates (MFA) Benefit Coverage Tier on the PPO and HSP Medical Plans
- Real Appeal
Tip: Try Castlight - Cost. Quality. Informed Decisions.
Castlight is a free tool for GW medical plan participants and their adult dependents covered under a university medical plan.
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Find top-rated in-network providers in your area
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Get cost estimates before you go
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Consider site of care choices (virtual care vs in-person, PCP, urgent care, ER)
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Track your medical claims and healthcare spend
Get information at your fingertips – Register today to access your digital ID card, conduct provider and service searches and more!
Tools, Information, and Services Available to You
The annual Open Enrollment period is a time of opportunity. As you review the 2024 benefit programs and changes, you are welcome to include your family in the planning process, if applicable.
Several resources and information sessions are made available to you during the weeks leading up to and during Open Enrollment. We encourage you to attend our in-person fests,* virtual webinars and make a 1:1 appointment to ask questions as you choose plan(s) and benefits that are the best fit for you and your family.
*Register for the dental pop-up clinic held at the 10/12 Fest by visiting go.gwu.edu/2024oeevents.
View the Open Enrollment Events
Virtual Coffee Chat with Benefits
Join Benefits for an upcoming virtual coffee and chat session as we provide an overview of your 2024 benefit offerings, introduce our re-imagined Open Enrollment Guide and enrollment deadlines, and highlight important features of the GW Benefits enrollment system.
Grab a coffee on us! Registrants for each session will be entered into a coffee gift card raffle.
- Wednesday, September 27, 2023 | 10 - 11 a.m. ET
- Thursday, October 5, 2023 | 12 - 1 p.m. ET
Webex registration information is available at go.gwu.edu/2024oeevents.
Flu Shots
- Plans are underway for flu vaccine clinics at the Foggy Bottom Campus and Virginia Science and Technology campus (VSTC). Details will be announced once finalized.
- Employees covered by a GW medical plan can also visit area pharmacies and convenience care clinics to receive a flu shot at no cost.
- If you are not covered on a GW medical plan, please verify costs with your health insurance company. Most plans will cover the full cost of seasonal flu shots.
Please note: If you require a high dose flu shot, generally recommended for those over age 65, please consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacy in advance regarding availability.
The GW Benefits Enrollment System
Beginning October 9, 2023, log in to the GW benefits enrollment system to review, change or select your benefits options. You are allowed to log in to the enrollment system and make changes as often as you would like during the three-week Open Enrollment period.
The deadline to make changes is 8 p.m. (ET) on October 27, 2023. Please remember that most changes made during the Open Enrollment period become effective January 1, 2024.
Tip: Add Dependents
If adding a new dependent to coverage during Open Enrollment, supporting documentation (e.g. copies of birth or marriage certificates) must be received by Benefits by Friday, November 3, 2023. You can submit documentation two ways:
- You have the ability to upload documents in your Employee Profile on the confirmation page (at the top of the screen, click My Profile, then click Employee File) after making your benefit elections in the benefits enrollment system; or,
- You may submit your supporting documentation via email at [email protected] or fax at (571) 553-8385. If emailing, please be sure to send via secure email.
In the coming weeks:
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You will receive more detailed information regarding 2024 Open Enrollment.
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The new 2024 Open Enrollment Guide will be available prior to the Open Enrollment period and linked as a quick reference in the enrollment system.
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Open Enrollment 1:1 appointments will be open to book via go.gwu.edu/2024oeevents, providing an opportunity to speak with a GW Benefits vendor partner, such as UnitedHealthcare, to receive more information about a particular benefit.
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If you have any questions in advance of the 2024 Open Enrollment period, please contact the Benefits Call Center at (833) 698-0324 or email [email protected].
Reminder: 1095-C Tax Form Electronic Consent
Did You Know that you can receive your 1095-C form electronically? Save time, support sustainability, and keep things secure. Login to go.gwu.edu/enroll4benefits to complete your online consent form to receive your 1095-C electronically. Once available, your form will be securely posted and stored to your employee file.
What is a Form 1095-C?
Eligible employees will receive a Form 1095-C tax document annually, which reports information about your medical coverage.
While you will not need to include your 1095-C with your tax return filing, or send it to the IRS, you may need information from your 1095-C to help complete your tax return. Think of it as your “proof of medical insurance” for the IRS.
Please contact the Benefits Call Center at
833-698–0324 with any questions
you have in advance of the Open Enrollment period.