2021 University Benefits Open Enrollment: Key Changes and Updates

Faculty and staff at the university have the chance to adjust their benefits elections during the open enrollment period, which runs from October 5 to October 23. Most changes will become effective as of January 1, 2021. Information about the updates to the 2021 benefits was distributed via email and is available online.

The open enrollment period is a critical time for faculty and staff to review their health and wellness benefits, including well-being programs like Headspace and Real Appeal. Jennifer Lopez, Associate Vice President of Total Rewards, noted, "This is the annual opportunity to ensure your benefits continue to support your needs and goals for the upcoming year.”

The university will retain its GW PPO and the GW Health Savings Plan, managed by UnitedHealthcare, without altering the medical plan contribution salary bands. To balance plan costs, the university will invest further in the medical plan subsidy, resulting in a 1.5 percent increase in contributions for full-time faculty and staff across all salary bands and plans. Approximately 75 percent of participants will see an average increase of less than $5 per month, with variations depending on individual plans and coverage levels.

A new benefit coverage tier for services provided by Medical Faculty Associates (MFA) will be introduced in 2021. This additional tier for GW PPO and HSP medical plans will provide lower copayments and reduced coinsurance for those utilizing MFA provider services, enhancing access to care.

Aetna dental plans will experience monthly increases ranging from $1 to $6, contingent on the selected plan and coverage level. Health savings account (HSA) annual maximum contributions will rise by $50 for individual coverage and $100 for family coverage. The university will match HSA contributions up to $600 for employee-only coverage and $1,200 for family coverage. Meanwhile, Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) contribution limits will increase by $50, with Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) limits remaining unchanged.

During this open enrollment, enhanced guaranteed issue (GI) amounts for optional life insurance will be available. Eligible employees can elect up to $500,000 without providing evidence of insurability. The GI amount for optional spouse life insurance increases to $50,000. Employees can increase their life insurance coverage significantly without evidence of insurability, subject to certain conditions.

The voluntary short-term disability program will reduce its waiting period from 30 days to 14 days, allowing employees to access benefits sooner at no increased cost. The upcoming open enrollment fair will be conducted virtually, with webinars hosted by GW Benefits and partners like UnitedHealthcare and Aetna offering guidance on benefit programs. Attendees can schedule brief one-on-one appointments for personalized assistance. Queries about the university's employee benefit plans can be directed to the Benefits Call Center at 1-888-4GWUBEN or emailed to benefits[at]gwu[dot]edu.