ACA Open Enrollment Benefits Overview
2025 Open Enrollment Period: October 7 - 25, 2024
Dear George Washington University Community,
Welcome to the 2025 Benefits Open Enrollment season! Open Enrollment begins on Monday, October 7, 2024, and ends at 8 p.m. (ET) on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Open Enrollment provides an annual opportunity to reflect upon your current benefit elections and make any needed changes for the upcoming 2025 calendar year, including adding or removing eligible dependents. Any changes to your health and welfare plans must be completed during the 2025 Open Enrollment period*, with changes going into effect on January 1, 2025.
If you choose not to take action, your existing coverage elections (i.e. GW HSP, HSA) from 2024 will roll over into 2025. However, we recommend that you review your current elections to ensure they still provide the coverage you need.
Open Enrollment Fests and Virtual 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 OE Fest experience. Activities differ among each Fest and range from a dental pop-up clinic, complimentary vision screenings, and vaccine clinics to massages, art therapy, fitness classes, and more! You can also stop by the Fests to meet GW’s benefit vendor partners, ask questions, and receive assistance with the enrollment process. Virtual webinars, led by our vendor partners, will be offered throughout OE to provide details about the 2025 benefit programs.
Please mark your calendar and be on the lookout for chances to win exciting prizes and swag this Open Enrollment season.
1:1 Appointments
Have questions? Register for a 10-minute appointment with UHC. Appointments are one-on-one and offer you a chance to ask questions specific to your situation.
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 a single-sign-on capability. When you are logged into your GW computer with your UserID and password, you will automatically be able to enter the enrollment system to elect and/or make changes to benefits for 2025. 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, and 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 2025 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 2025 benefit offerings and important deadlines and highlight features of the GW Benefits enrollment system.
NEW! Medical Plan Enhancement: Pregnancy and Postpartum Benefits through Progyny
Beginning January 1, 2025, GW will partner with Progyny to provide pregnancy support to medical plan participants.
- New for 2025, participants under the GW HSP will have access to a new Pregnancy and Postpartum program through Progyny. Progyny provides ongoing support, guidance, and education for expecting parents and those newly postpartum. You’ll have personalized, high-touch support from dedicated Pregnancy and Postpartum Coaches (PPCs) who are labor and delivery nurses, the ability to schedule virtual visits with lactation consultants and baby feeding experts to get a personalized feeding plan, and 24/7 access to an exclusive app. These consultations and educational resources are designed to empower you at each milestone and support your overall well-being. For more information, review the benefit overview and FAQs. Beginning October 7th, call 833-233-0557 to speak to a PPC.
For more information, please join us for an information webinar with Progyny on Monday, October 7th 10-11:00 a.m. ET. Visit our Open Enrollment Events calendar to register.
2025 Medical Contribution Overview
The Medical Plan will increase by 6% in 2025 (across all salary bands*). The monthly employee contribution increase will range from $2 to about $31, depending on your coverage level and salary band.
Below are two examples of the monthly medical contribution increase for a full-time 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 average medical contribution increase will be about $6 per month for 2025.
- If the employee enrolls in the GW HSP with family coverage, the average medical contribution increase will be about $20 per month for 2025.
*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 and there will be no plan design changes for 2025 (e.g., deductibles, copays).
Our commitment and shared responsibility:
While medical and prescription costs continue to rise, GW remains committed to offering health benefits that deliver good value to you and your families, with competitive benefits and fair cost sharing. Plan costs have increased over the past two years at higher levels than we've seen in many years. During this time, GW has worked to mitigate increases in employee contributions. Despite large plan cost increases, year over year, GW has continued to increase its portion of the subsidy to the plans.
As we expect continued upward pressure on the cost of our medical plans, it's important to remember we all play a part in helping control costs.
Our medical plans are self-insured which means the university pays the claims. UHC processes the claims from health providers for GW faculty and staff.
Our premiums for the medical plans are based on our claims experience. High volume and / or high-cost claims in a year directly impact the premiums we pay as participants in the following year.
But you can help. When you get regular wellness visits, timely screenings, use in-network providers, and thoughtfully consider care, you generally incur less in claim costs, which directly impacts next year’s premiums.
Reminder: MFA Tier
The GW HSP medical plans include 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.
Tax Advantaged Accounts
2025 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 $150 to $4,300.
- For those with family HSP coverage, the annual maximum for the HSA will increase by $250 to $8,550.
- GW’s HSA matching contribution continues: GW will match dollar for dollar up to $600 for those enrolled for employee only coverage and up to $1,200 for those covering dependents under the GW Health Savings Plan.
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.
What's Staying the Same for 2025
The programs below will continue for 2025.
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 SimpleTherapy
SimpleTherapy has added movement assessments and motion analysis using computer vision technology. This technology is able to detect movement deficiencies, movement patterns, and exercise form that might be contributing to existing pain or the inability to progress at a desired rate. The 5-10 minute assessments will be embedded within the SimpleTherapy pain and recovery programs available to GW medical plan participants at no cost.
Tools, Information, and Services Available to You
The annual Open Enrollment period is a time of opportunity. As you review the 2025 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 open enrollment events, including in-person fests* and virtual webinars, and to make a 1:1 appointment with UHC to ask questions as you choose plan(s) and benefits that are the best fit for you and your family.
*Register for Fest activities by visiting go.gwu.edu/2025oeevents.
View the Open Enrollment Events
Virtual Coffee Chat with Benefits
Join GW Benefits for an upcoming virtual coffee and chat session as we provide an overview of your 2025 benefit offerings including our new vendor partners and benefit programs, introduce our 2025 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 25, 2024 | 10 - 11 a.m. ET
• Thursday, October 3, 2024 | 12 - 1 p.m. ET
Webex registration information is available at go.gwu.edu/2025oeevents.
Flu and COVID Vaccines
In partnership with the Medical Faculty Associates (MFA), flu and COVID vaccine clinics will be held at the Foggy Bottom Campus and Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC) during October including on the open enrollment fest dates. Those who wish to receive their vaccine(s) at one of the clinics are strongly encouraged to register in advance. Insurance Information will be collected during the registration process. GW Faculty and Staff enrolled on a GW medical plan, please have your UHC ID card available when registering. For more details, visit 2024 GW Flu and COVID Vaccines Services.
Employees covered by a GW medical plan can also visit area pharmacies and convenience care clinics to receive a flu shot and COVID shot at no cost. If visiting one of these, please present your CVS Caremark ID card.
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 7, 2024, employees may 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 25, 2024. Please remember that changes made during the Open Enrollment period become effective January 1, 2025.
Tip: Add Dependents and Keep Beneficiary Information Up-To-Date
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 1, 2024. 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.
Each year it is also good practice to review your life insurance beneficiaries during open enrollment. While Beneficiaries can be changed at any time during the year, this may be a good time to review and update the information if necessary. Visit go.gwu.edu/enroll4benefits to review.
In the coming weeks:
- You will receive more detailed information regarding 2025 Open Enrollment.
- The new 2025 Open Enrollment Guide will be available prior to the Open Enrollment period and linked as a quick reference in the enrollment system.
- If you have any questions in advance of the 2025 Open Enrollment period, please contact the Benefits Call Center at 833-698-0324 or email [email protected].
Reminder: 1095-C Tax Form Electronic Consent for Faculty and Staff
Did You Know that you can receive your 1095-C form electronically now? 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 in 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.