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GW Open Enrollment 2026 - Maximize your health and well-being

Open Enrollment Events

   The 2026 Open Enrollment period begins on
Monday, October 6, 2025 and ends on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET.

 

The annual Open Enrollment period is a time of opportunity. As you review the 2026 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, benefits enrollment support drop-in, 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.

 

Discover the Aetna Healthcare Experience

Join us for an engaging Discover the Aetna Healthcare Experience webinar hosted by Aetna on Wednesday, September 10, at 3 p.m. ET to learn about how Aetna is improving your healthcare experience through comprehensive plan features, personalized care programs, improved customer service and support, and more.

  • Explore coverage options, network access and digital tools designed to simplify your care.
  • Discover chronic condition support, mental health resources tailored to your needs.
  • From streamlined claims processing to 24/7 virtual care, see how Aetna is making healthcare more accessible and responsive.

Register Here

Session Materials:

 

Tip! Want to check if your preferred provider is in-network before the transition?

Visit www.Aetna.com and follow these steps:

  • Select “Find a doctor” at the top of the page.
  • Under the “Don’t have a member account?”, Select “Plan from an Employer”. 
  • Under "Continue as a Guest", Enter your ZIP code.
  • On the next screen, under "Select a Plan", scroll to “Aetna Open Access Plans" and select "Aetna Choice POS II (Open Access)” as your plan and click "Continue".

This will help you confirm whether your provider is part of Aetna’s network.

Virtual Coffee Chat with Benefits

Join Benefits for a virtual coffee and chat session as we provide an overview of your 2026 benefit offerings including our new medical vendor partner, introduce our 2026 Open Enrollment Guide and enrollment deadlines, highlight important features of the GW Benefits enrollment system and recap well-being programs available to you and your family.

Grab a coffee on us! Register via the links below for a chance to be entered to win a coffee gift card raffle.*

Faculty and Staff Coffee Chat

Session Materials:

Postdoc Coffee Chat

On Demand

Session Materials:

*Value of winnings is taxable and will be included in employee’s payroll.

 

Explore Your Health Benefits: Virtual Sessions 

Join us for a series of webinars hosted by our health benefits vendors, designed to help you make informed choices during Open Enrollment.  Each session offers a guided overview of plan options, participant experience, service expectations, and available resources. Whether you're enrolling for the first time or reviewing your current coverage, these webinars are designed to help you navigate your benefits. Each session will close with Q&A.  Register via the links below.

Aetna Medical
Aetna Dental
UnitedHealthcare Vision
CVS Caremark

 

 In-Person Open Enrollment Events 

2026 open enrollment events. Save the date: October 7 (VSTC Fest 10am - 1pm); October 8 (Foggy Bottom Fest 10am - 1pm); October 23 (Foggy Bottom Enrollment Support 10am - 1pm). Visit go.gwu.edu/2026oevents for more information.


  Foggy Bottom Campus Open Enrollment Fest (University Student Center, Grand Ballroom)

-   Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET

Virginia Science and Technology Campus Open Enrollment Fest (Enterprise Hall, Room 102)

-   Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET

  Foggy Bottom Campus Open Enrollment Support Drop-In (University Student Center, Room 309)

-   Wednesday, October 23, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET
 

Join us for our annual in-person fests* held during October. 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 meet GW’s benefits vendor partners, ask questions, receive assistance with the enrollment process.

This year, we will also offer a new Benefits Enrollment Support Drop-In on 10/23. This event is a smaller one-stop opportunity designed to help you make informed decisions about your benefits that have enrollment tied to GW's annual Open Enrollment period. At this event, you can explore limited benefit options, ask questions, get personalized guidance from the GW benefits team and applicable GW vendor partners, as well as complete your enrollment.
 

   Fall Social

With the Fall season upon us, it is a perfect time for Faculty and Staff to gather together and enjoy some delicious fall treats. Please join GW Human Resources Management & Development for a Fall Social at the VSTC Campus on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 and the Foggy Bottom Campus on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

   Photo Op

While you are at the Foggy Bottom OE Fest, head upstairs to the center for Career Services to take your professional-quality headshot in GW's Professional Headshot Booth! 

Note: Advanced appointment scheduling is required.

  Fight The Flu

Flu and COVID Vaccine Clinics - 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. Employees enrolled on the GW medical plan, please have your UHC ID card available when registering. 

For more details, visit GW Flu and COVID Vaccines Services.

   Power Hour

Lace up your sneakers or unroll your yoga mat and let's move together! GW's Lerner Health and Wellness Center will offer a complimentary 45 minute Faculty and Staff fitness class for improving and maintaining your physical and mental health at 12pm ET in the University Student Center, Room 301. Join us for an in-person all-levels class during our Fests focused on building strength, increasing mobility, restoring balance, developing flexibility, and releasing muscle tension. See you there!

Due to limited space, advance registration for the free October 8th fitness class is required. For any questions, please email recreationatgwu [dot] edu (recreation[at]gwu[dot]edu).

    Relax and Rejuvenate

Event attendees can enjoy free seated massages at Foggy Bottom and Virginia Science and Technology campuses on a first come, first served basis. Please select your appointment slot below.

 

*Fest attendees will have the option to enter into several well-being themed raffle bundles. Complete your 2026 Benefits enrollment at the Fest for an additional chance to win a prize. Value of winnings is taxable and will be included in employee’s payroll.

 

Vendor Partner Webinars

We will also be offering virtual webinars led by our vendor partners to provide details about the 2026 benefit programs. Register via the links below for a chance to be entered to win a gift card raffle. Note: Value of winnings is taxable and will be included in employee’s payroll.

Active & Fit Direct

Join us for an inside look into the Active & Fit Direct program and hear the latest about this flexible fitness benefit.

Benefit Overview

​​

Doordash
Bank of America - HSA, FSA, & Pre-Tax Parking Accounts

Bank of America will administer Flexible Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care), Health Savings, and Pre-Tax Parking Accounts for 2026. Register for a webinar below to learn more about the benefits.

Benefit Overview: Getting to know your Health and Benefit Options  

​​

Doordash

 

Bank of America - Banking & Investing Program

As a GW employee, you are eligible for banking benefits with the new Banking and Investing Program from Bank of America. To introduce the program, Bank of America will be hosting a webinar which will consist of a brief overview of the new benefits for employees and an open forum for any questions. Register now to learn how to maximize your new banking benefits.

Benefit Overview

​​

Doordash
Bright Horizons

Your family comes first, that's why you have access to family benefits that will help you manage the many responsibilities of work, life and caregiving. Join our Bright Horizons webinar to learn more about the family care support included in your benefit.

Benefit Overview

​​

Doordash

                         

DC 529

Please join us for an informal webinar about the DC College Savings Plan. Find out how you can start saving for post-secondary expenses. Visit our website at www.dc529.com to open an account or for additional information about the plan.

Benefit Overview

​​

Doordash
Headspace

Join us for a 30-minute overview session of Headspace, where you'll learn what Headspace is, how to access and use your Headspace benefit, and key facts about getting started—including how to download the app and set up your account. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from a Headspace representative.

Benefit Overview

​​

Doordash
Health Advocate

As a GW employee, you are automatically enrolled in Health Advocate. Join Benefits and Brittany Hutchinson for an overview of how this complimentary service can help support your overall well-being. Register via the link below.

Benefit Overview

​​

Doordash
Legal Resources

Join the Legal Resources team for an overview of legal wellness and the services included in the legal benefit program. Click the link below to register for the webinar.

Benefit Overview

Doordash
Maryland 529

Learn about the features and benefits of saving for education with the Maryland College Investment Plan, followed by a Q&A session with a Maryland 529 representative.

Benefit Overview

​​

Doordash
PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union Membership Program

This webinar is an introduction to PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union, the new Credit Union partner of the George Washington University. In this webinar, you will get a brief overview of the organization and membership details available to you.

Benefit Overview

​​

Doordash
Nationwide

Pet-loving employees can fetch the best health coverage for their pets with My Pet Protection Choice.  Join us on a webinar to learn more about Nationwide and pet insurance!

Benefit Overview

​​

Doordash
Progyny

 Join us for an informational webinar and Q&A to learn more about your Progyny fertility, family building and women’s reproductive health benefits.

Benefit Overview

  • Monday, October 20, 2025 | 2 p.m. ET          

 

Doordash
SimpleTherapy

SimpleTherapy is a virtual full-body muscle and joint pain prevention and recovery program available at no cost to GW Medical Plan participants and covered dependents. Join the SimpleTherapy team for an overview of the different programs focused on head-to-toe care. Register via the link below.

Benefit Overview

  • Tuesday, October 14, 2025  | 10 a.m. ET          

 

Doordash
SupportLinc

In this session you’ll learn about the GW Employee Assistance Program (GW EAP) and the valuable resources available to support your mental health and overall well-being.

Benefit Overview

​​

Doordash
Virginia 529 (Invest529)

Please join this informational webinar to learn about a variety of ways you can achieve your higher education savings goals and how Virginia529 (Invest529) can help. Register via the link below.

On Demand Recording

​​

Doordash
Voya

We invite you to join the webinar below to learn more about the GW Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity voluntary benefits administered by Voya. Please join to learn more about these supplemental health insurance coverage options to decide if they are right for you this enrollment season.

  • Monday, October 13, 2025 | 2 p.m. ET          ​​

 

Doordash

 

   Incentive: GRAB LUNCH ON US

We know you are busy between work and life demands. That’s why we want to treat you to lunch during this Open Enrollment period - that’s right, get a $25 gift card* to Door Dash on us!

Employees that register for an eligible Open Enrollment webinar are automatically entered for a chance  to receive a gift card. Look out for the company logo that will be listed on all our eligible webinars!

*Please note: The value of winnings is taxable and will be included in employee’s payroll.


 

1:1 Appointments with Aetna

In addition to the in-person events and virtual webinars, Aetna will be available for 10-minute one-on-one appointments to discuss questions that may arise as you review information and make your choices for the upcoming year. Click the links below to register for a 1:1 Appointment slot.

Aetna

Note: If the 1:1 appointment times do not work for you, the Aetna Concierge dedicated phone line is now available to provide personalized 1:1 support. You can reach them at 844-989-8811, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. ET. During the transition, they can help answer questions about your GW plan benefits, cost sharing, and provider or facility participation within Aetna’s extensive network. These phone calls are personal and private, with no time limit, allowing you to discuss any questions that arise as you review information and make your benefit choices for the upcoming year.

 

Well-being Sessions

Well-being sessions are intended to help support day-to-day well-being by providing opportunities to engage in brief, facilitated activities as a break throughout the workday.

Active & Fit Direct

Get ready to make fitness fun with Active&Fit Direct! Join the How to Make Fitness Fun webinar below, where a fitness specialist will share creative ways to stay active and enjoy every workout. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, this season we will provide practical tips to turn exercise into an exciting part of your routine.

Bright Horizons

Teens, tweens, social media, and screen time — do we have your attention yet? Whether you’re wondering how screen time affects your child or how to create healthy practices at home, get the answers in our Bright Horizons webinar.

Headspace

Mental health is more important than ever — and it starts with taking care of ourselves. The Headspace team invites you to share a moment of hope in honor of World Mental Health Day.

Health Advocate

Domestic violence occurs when one person in a relationship purposely hurts another person physically or emotionally. It often begins as threats and verbal abuse and then escalates to physical violence. Many people may not recognize that their relationship is unhealthy, or they may be hopeful that their partner will change. Join us for a free webinar to learn how to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship and explore available resources to help those in need.

  • Thursday, October 16, 2025 I 10am ET
Financial Well-being 

Money is more than just numbers in a bank account. It is tied to our emotions, values, and life choices. Whether it's family, security, or personal growth, our financial choices are often influenced by our priorities.

Our Financial well-being campaign which is a compilation of webinars, activities, resources, tools, and more offered to help raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy as well as align employee spending, saving, and goals with their core values.

We encourage you to join us and our vendor partners to manage financial stress and build a plan rooted in their values, while moving toward a healthier, more fulfilling financial future.

Bank of America - Get to know your Health Savings Account                      

  • Tuesday, October 7, 2025  | 1 p.m. ET        

Bank of America - Cyber Security Awareness

TIAA - Quarterly economic and market update 

Bank of America - What you need to know about your HSA in your 20's and 30's

Bank of America - Be an HSA Super Saver

TIAA - Staying safe online: Avoiding cybersecurity threats and fraud 

Fidelity - The power of betting on yourself

PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union - 7 Steps to Reduce Financial Stress

Legal Resources

Navigate key challenges in caregiving and consumer protection by attending a Legal Resource webinar below. Whether you're planning for the long-term care of a loved one or facing issues with insurance or warranty claims, these sessions will provide practical guidance and valuable resources. Attendees will walk away with actionable steps, improved confidence, and a better understanding of how to advocate for themselves and their families.

Insurance and Warranty Disputes: Protecting Your Rights as a Consumer

Long-term Care and Successor Caregiving Plans

Progyny

In recognition of Menopause Awareness Month, Progyny is hosting a webinar focused on Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) - a treatment path that may ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Members will hear from leading experts as they break down common myths and share clinical insights to support informed decision-making.  

SimpleTherapy

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, SimpleTherapy is hosting a 15 minute self-care stretch break. The goal of the brief session is to help alleviate some of the daily stress and stiffness that can accumulate on a daily basis due to prolonged sitting and unhealthy posture. SimpleTherapy will be demoing a few basic, but effective stretches and movements that can be done in the workplace or at home without severely interrupting your workflow or productivity.

UnitedHealthcare

Women have specific health recommendations and disease risks. Focusing on the importance of women’s health, you will learn about health topics for women during different stages of life and define common health conditions that effect women. Finally, you will learn healthier behaviors that may help manage, improve, and prevent disease.

 

On Demand Resources

Below please find additional on demand resources to assist you in your 2026 benefit planning decisions.

Health Advocate
Real Appeal
Tobacco Cessation


 

2026 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 now access the 2026 Open Enrollment Guide online on to help support your enrollment choices.

Please note: While the new Open Enrollment Guide continues to be a resource to access information about your benefit offerings, it remains separate from the GW benefit enrollment system.

 

 

Upcoming Open Enrollment Events

 

 

View All Open Enrollment Events

 

 

Please contact the Benefits Call Center with any questions you have in advance of the Open Enrollment period.


Faculty, Staff, Postdocs, and ACA Participants: Call 833-698–0324

LTD Recipients, Retirees, and COBRA Participants: Call 866-365-2413