We are officially in Open Enrollment season! Once again, it is time to revisit and consider making changes to our health and welfare benefits. This year’s Open Enrollment period will take place from October 8, 2018, through 8 p.m. EST on October 26, 2018. Most benefits elected during this period will take effect on January 1, 2019.
As you begin to receive Open Enrollment materials, be sure to read through them carefully and take note of important events and deadlines. To help you with the process, we’ve put together an Open Enrollment checklist:
- Read overview of 2019 benefits
You can learn about 2019 benefit programs and changes in the 2019 Benefits Overview. The document also touches upon what’s staying the same and provides important contact information.
- Bookmark the Annual Open Enrollment webpage
Bookmark our Annual Open Enrollment webpage, your hub for critical Open Enrollment information. Here, you will find all relevant 2019 benefits information in one spot – from benefits overviews to employee contribution information to lists of upcoming events. The annual comprehensive Open Enrollment Guide is also available on this webpage.
- Mark your Calendar
There are numerous events leading up to and during Open Enrollment to help you gather information and give you the opportunity to have your questions asked and answered. From information sessions on how to pick a medical plan and what’s new and changing for 2019 to the annual benefit vendor fairs – mark your calendars and join us!
- Update Your EasyEnroll Information
The implementation of multi-factor authentication as an added layer of security to GW’s online benefits enrollment system requires employees to update their login credentials. In preparation for Open Enrollment, please update your information before October 8th by logging in to EasyEnroll.
- Direct questions to the call center
Do you have questions regarding any of GW’s health and welfare employee benefits plans? The GW Benefits Call Center can assist! Contact the call center at (888) 4GWUBEN (449-8236) from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
From October 8-26, 2018, the call center will have extended hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET).
- Register for Castlight within minutes
Don’t forget, Castlight is available at no cost to GW employees and their spouses/domestic partners and adult dependents enrolled in a GW medical plan. The personalized, online tool helps you and your family find high-quality, affordable care, compare prices and more! Employees who register for the first time during the month of October, will be entered in a drawing for a FitBit Charge 2. Current GW medical plan participants: Register at mycastlight.com/gw. (Winnings are taxable and will be included in payroll.)
- Book your appointment for a free flu shot
Flu shots will be offered to GW faculty and staff at no cost during the annual Open Enrollment fairs in October. Registration will open soon at go.gwu.edu/flu. You must present your GW or other health insurance card at time of appointment. Please note: High dose flu shots, generally recommended for those over age 65, will not be available. If you require a high dose flu shot, please consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacy.
Follow us on Twitter
Follow @gw_benefits for your dose of employee benefits news. We’ll tweet the latest information, updates and reminders throughout Open Enrollment.
Stay tuned as we roll out more communications in the coming weeks. And be sure to check out our October Open Enrollment checklist next month.
