Category: Employee Benefits

Before March 2, 2021 eligible employees will receive a Form 1095-C tax document, which reports information about your medical coverage in 2020. While you will not need to include your 1095-C with your 2020 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.

Who receives a Form 1095-C form?

Any GW employee who was considered full-time at any point in 2020 or who was enrolled in a GW medical plan in 2020. The Affordable Care Act defines “full-time” as an employee who worked an average of 30 or more hours per week.

There are three parts to the form:

• Part 1 reports information about you and GW.
• Part 2 reports information about the coverage offered to you by GW, the affordability of the coverage offered, and the reason why you were or were not offered coverage.
• Part 3 reports information about the individuals (including dependents) covered under the self-insured plan.

For more information about the Form 1095-C, please visit irs.gov.

America Saves Week, February 22 – 26, 2021, is a national effort to motivate, support and encourage us to set savings’ goals, make a savings plan, and use automatic contributions to support those plans.

Your savings journey begins when you make a commitment to your financial well-being. Here are few ways to begin an empowered strategy to save for the future:

• Contribute to the GW 403(b) Retirement Plan through paycheck contributions each month. Employees can enroll, update contribution percentages and review/change investments at any time by visiting netbenefits.com/gw.
• Make a retirement counseling appointment with TIAA or Fidelity. Discuss your savings goals, gain a snapshot of how you compare against those goals, evaluate college savings plans, and so much more.
• Create a budget for you/your family.
• Teach children saving techniques with debit cards designed for kids. The cards and accompanying apps can help kids learn money management strategies and decide how to spend, save and give.
• Review your beneficiary elections for retirement and life insurance! Carefully review and update (if necessary) this information at netbenefits.com/gw.  ADD Link to Autobene to check life ins beneficiary

In December, Benefits and Payroll sent an email requesting employees to review, update if necessary, and confirm their work location. Work location is the physical location where you work over 50% of the time.  

You may be wondering why we regularly review and update our work location address.  Employers are required to report employees’ wages on a quarterly basis to the state where the employee performs services.  The work location on file in the university’s HR/Payroll system is used to determine the appropriate state for reporting unemployment wages and determines eligibility for time off and leave benefits in the state or locality where you work.  If your W-4 address has changed, you may need to submit a new state withholding form.

If you have not yet reviewed your work location, please visit GWeb. Step-by-step instructions and FAQs are available to help complete your review.  For detailed information on university time off and leave benefits, please visit the Time Off and Leave Guide on the Benefits website or contact us at timeoff@gwu.edu. 

Castlight, the healthcare navigation app available to employees on a GW medical plan, will offer a new COVID-19 vaccination feature in February. The new vaccine navigation center will:

• Offer the ability to search nearby providers with available vaccines
• Provide a self-service chat to help you understand eligibility requirements for the vaccine
• Address common questions around vaccines, including  safety, effectiveness, cost, and more
• Include a COVID-19 testing search feature

Castlight Support

The Castlight app provides information on in-network, high quality, low cost providers as well as information on: 

• Your Health Savings Plan costs (i.e. out-of-pocket costs, deductibles, and co-insurance)
• Your GW PPO medical plan co-pays and deductibles
• Your Health Savings Account and Health Care Flexible Spending Account balance
• Your medical claims and spending

Have You Downloaded the Castlight App? If you are enrolled on a GW medical plan and haven’t yet registered for Castlight, visit mycastlight.com/gw. 

Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is that we’re more successful meeting our health goals when we join forces with others.

This month, NHLBI launched the #OurHearts movement, to inspire people to protect and strengthen their hearts with the support of others. Making the following heart healthy lifestyle changes will be easier and more successful if you work with other motivated people.

Get Physically Active

Find an accountability partner, such as a neighbor, to socially-distance walk with you on a regular basis. When you put the date on both your calendars, and text or call to make sure you both show up, you have a better chance of sticking with your habit.

Join GW Campus Rec for virtual classes M – F, morning, noon and evenings. Looking for a quick, low-impact session – join the Monday and Wednesday 30-minute yoga class to get your blood flowing and restore your focus.  Try it with a colleague and show up (virtually) together.

Eat Heart Healthy Foods

We tend to eat like our friends and family, so ask others close to you to join you in your effort to eat healthier. Need healthy eating ideas? Try NHLBI’s Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan. It’s free and scientifically proven to lower blood pressure and improve blood cholesterol levels.

Quit Smoking

GW employees have free access to Quit for Life. Participants enjoy unlimited access to phone and web-based coaching and a Quit for Life app which tracks your quitting journey, sends tips and allows access to coaching, too.  To sign up on the Quit for Life website, select “yes” for “Are you currently employed?” and enter “George Washington University.”   Begin the journey towards better health!

As we turn the calendar to a new year, there are enhancements and changes to your medical benefits that took effect on January 1, 2021.  There is a new Medical Faculty Associates (MFA) benefit coverage tier in the GW medical plans, providing GW medical plan participants with lower copays and coinsurance when visiting a GW MFA provider. The MFA tier applies to professional charges by MFA providers.  Please note that MFA behavioral health providers continue to be out-of-network.

GW medical plan participants will now also have access to a direct phone line (202) 677- 6000 to schedule appointments with MFA providers.

Most changes made to your benefits during Open Enrollment 2021 this past October will be reflected in your January paystub.  Be sure to check that your deductions on your paystub match your confirmation statement from EasyEnroll. If you have questions, please contact Benefits at benefits@gwu.edu or at 571.553.8382

If you haven’t yet, please review the Benefits Tips and Reminders resource to see how to access your ID cards, online accounts, and find instructions on how to submit 2020 HCFSA and DCFSA eligible expenses for reimbursement.  

In a recent WUSA9 segment, GW Professor of Psychiatry Dr. Daniel Lieberman explains why you may feel lower energy in the winter months.

“What really matters the most for the human brain is the light. Our brains are so sensitive to light. And so, our moods can dip when we have bad weather, or even more when the days start to get shorter, as we move into the fall and winter.” Getting enough sunlight and fresh air is paramount in maintaining your mental health during this season. “

In addition to getting outside, Dr. Lieberman suggested ways to stay positive this holiday season amid the pandemic.  Focusing on giving and ways to help others provide a sense of joy and purpose.  This can lift our spirits, especially when we are missing others. Writing a note to a relative about what you enjoy at the holidays or ways you are thinking of them, can be just as rewarding for the writer as it is for the recipient.

Castlight is a free app available to GW medical plan participants as well as their spouses/domestic partners and adult dependents. It takes less than a minute to sign up and become a more knowledgeable healthcare consumer.

The app makes it easy to see a breakdown of your coverage and costs, including deductibles, balances and claims. In a real-world scenario, you could use Castlight to compare costs to see a doctor in a specific zip code near work or home to choose one that fits your needs and budget.  Register today!

Other ways Castlight supports you as a healthcare consumer:

• Personalized cost estimates
• Ratings and reviews of in-network doctors
• Access to past bills
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) balances
• Prescription drug options
• Benefits program information
• Timely information about conditions and treatments

With the addition of the new Medical Faculty Associates (MFA) benefit coverage tier in the GW medical plans, employees enrolled on a GW medical plan will now also have access to a direct line to connect with MFA.

Effective December 28, 2020, GW employees will be able to connect with dedicated patient care coordinators to receive information about the GW MFA’s network of providers by calling (202) 677-6000,. These patient care coordinators will be available during normal business hours.

The 2021 Benefits Tips and Reminders packet is now available! This helpful document provides step-by-step information on how to access your ID cards*, create an online profile, log into your HSA account online, and more, including:

• How to register for online account access with GW benefits vendor partners
• How to view, print and request permanent/temporary ID cards
• How to fill a prescription if you haven’t received your ID card yet
• How to file FSA paper claim reimbursements
• How to activate your HSA

*Please note: New plan participants will receive ID cards via mail for your medical and pharmacy plans. ID cards are not provided for the dental and vision plans; however, your plan details are available through the online vendor portals.

Be sure to note important deadlines, especially related to Health Care and Dependent Day Care FSAs (HCFSA and DCFSA).

If you have any additional questions regarding your 2021 benefits, please reach out to us at benefits@gwu.edu or (571) 553-8382. Connect with us and receive important updates, reminders and announcements by following @gw_benefits on Twitter.

Watch and register for the latest webinars from the Wellbeing Hotline. Join live webinars this month on topics centered around emotional health during the upcoming holidays.  Registration links are in the descriptions below, or log in to the Welbeing Hotline website: www.resourcesforliving.com Username: GW-Wellbeing Password: Yourlife   1) Dealing with loneliness during the holiday season This year, COVID-19 will likely cause many family members and friends to be apart during the holidays. That can create loneliness at a time when “joy” is usually on the calendar. Join this webinar to explore, understand and deal with these circumstances. Come away with ideas to enjoy the holidays even if you’re separated from loved ones. Registration required: November 10 @ 4:15 PM ET December 10 @ 4:15PM ET 2.)  Ways to stay safe and still find joy and meaning in the holidays during COVID-19 The holiday season often comes with its own set of stresses and challenges, but this year has added a new level of stress and uncertainty as a result of COVID-19.  This presentation will focus on: Safety considerations for your holidays Alternative ways to stay connected Ways to find joy and true meaning during the holidays Registration required: November 12 @ 4 PM ET December 8 @ 4 PM ET 3. ) The power of positive thinking Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you’re optimistic or pessimistic — and it may even affect your health. Registration required: November 24 @ 3 PM ET

The investment options in the GW retirement plans are regularly monitored by the plans’ Retirement Plan Investment Committee, with the assistance of an outside investment consultant. From time to time, the committee will make changes to the funds available through the retirement plans.

Fidelity Investment Changes

As the result of a recent review, the committee has decided to make the following changes to the retirement plans’ investment menu offered through Fidelity Investments, effective December 7, 2020:

• The Fidelity® Europe Fund will be removed from the plans’ fund lineups. All assets invested in and future contributions to the fund will be moved to the existing Fidelity Overseas Fund – Class K
• The Fidelity® Pacific Basin Fund will be removed from the plans’ fund lineups. All assets invested in and future contributions to the fund will be moved to the existing Fidelity Overseas Fund – Class K

If you are currently invested in one of the removed funds and want your funds moved to the new funds as noted above, no action is required by you. If you want to invest your funds in another investment option offered under the plans, you can update your investment elections by logging in to your Fidelity account or contact Fidelity. Participants will also receive a separate notice from Fidelity outlining the fund changes.

• Fidelity Investments Contact Information: netbenefits.com/gw or (800) 343-0860

TIAA Changes

The committee has decided to make the following changes to the retirement plans’ investment menu offered through TIAA, effective January 13, 2021:

• The TIAA-CREF International Equity Fund will be removed from the plans’ fund lineups. All assets invested in and future contributions to the fund will be moved to the new MFS International Diversification Fund Class R6

If you are currently invested in the removed fund and want your funds moved to the new fund as noted above, no action is required by you. If you want to invest your funds in another investment option offered under the plans, you can update your investment elections by logging in to your TIAA account or contact TIAA:

• TIAA: tiaa.org/gwu or (800) 842-2776

Retirement Counseling

Retirement counselors from both Fidelity and TIAA are available for free one-on-one sessions on campus, should you like to meet with them to review your GW retirement savings options and fund lineups.

American Diabetes Month takes place throughout November to raise awareness about both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Explore the different ways to get involved: by inspiring others, educating peers and giving back.

Noticing the Warning Signs

Families are urged to learn more about the warning signs of diabetes and find out their risk of Type 2 diabetes. Research conducted by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2018 discovered that parents would struggle to spot this serious life-long condition in their own children. Although the majority of people surveyed have a family member with diabetes, four-in-five parents indicated they would have trouble recognizing the warning signs. One-in-three wouldn’t spot them at all.

#TheDropSpotted

Join the Beyond Type 1 community by participating in #TheDropSpotted – an easy way to use your voice to help make and invisible disease visible. Together, we will fight stigma, combat misunderstanding, and ultimately change how the world views diabetes.

Tips to Consider for Your Diabetes Plan

• Manage blood glucose levels. Make sure medicines are taken as prescribed, at the right time, and the right dose—even if you feel good or have reached your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol goals.
• Encourage healthy habits. Follow a healthy eating plan, get enough sleep, and aim for regular physical activity. Youth with Type 1 diabetes should also check their blood glucose levels before, during, or after physical activity.
• Stay prepared for emergencies. A basic “go-kit” could include medical supplies and equipment (at least a week’s worth), emergency and health care professional contact lists, a medication list, including doses and dosing schedules, and an allergy list
• Face coverings, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes may also be added to your “go-kit” during a pandemic.
• Monitor for diabetes complications. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce risk for heart disease, vision loss, nerve damage, and other related health problems.

Manage Diabetes with Livongo

GW offers CVS Health’s Transform Diabetes Care with Livongo (TDC/ Livongo) as part of the pharmacy benefit included with the GW medical plans. The total condition level management program is designed to improve health outcomes and lower your pharmacy costs through highly personalized support and coaching, two comprehensive diabetes visits at MinuteClinic locations at no out-of-pocket cost (including A1C checks) and access to digital tools to reduce the complexity of daily disease management.

On average, people with diagnosed diabetes incur medical expenses that are approximately 2.3 times higher than those of non-diabetics, according to the American Diabetes Association. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and participate in a GW medical plan, you’re eligible to participate.  To enroll, visit livongo.com using registration code “GW.”

As we near Election Day, we wanted to provide a reminder regarding voting time.

Polling places are generally open for extended hours on Election Day, but some employee schedules may make it difficult to vote during these hours. In instances where a polling location is not open at least two to three (2-3) hours before or after an employee’s scheduled shift, a department should provide the employee with sufficient time, generally up to two (2) hours of paid time off, for voting. The two (2) hours is considered paid time off, but will not be deducted from the employee’s annual time balance and will not be used to calculate overtime and other premium pay.

Employees should provide reasonable notice to their managers and timekeepers if they will need to be absent from their regularly scheduled work shift to vote. Employees should provide the hours of operation of their polling location [to who?] before paid time off is approved. An increasing number of jurisdictions offer “early voting” prior to Election Day. Some employees, such as those on alternative work schedules, may find it convenient to vote during these early voting periods.

Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in developed and developing countries.¹ To mark world awareness of the disease, pink ribbons adorn shopping bags, advertisements and even food items marking Breast Cancer Awareness.  Take time this month to review FAQs about breast cancer and see if you’re eligible for a free screening.

Is Breast Cancer Screening Covered?

The two tests commonly used to screen for breast cancer are the mammogram and a clinical breast exam (CBE). Under the GW HSP and PPO medical plans, one mammogram per year is covered at 100% at age 40 and over.  If you are at a higher risk of breast cancer, your doctor might want to use other tests too, such as a different type of mammogram or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The National Cancer Institute recommends that:

Women 40 years and older should get a mammogram every one to two years.

Women who have had breast cancer or other breast problems or who have a family history of breast cancer might need to start getting mammograms before age 40, or they might need to get them more often. Talk to your doctor about when to start and how often you should have a mammogram.

Is It Possible to Prevent Breast Cancer?

Many factors over the course of a lifetime can influence your breast cancer risk. You can’t change some factors, such as getting older or your family history, but you can help lower your risk of breast cancer by taking care of your health in the following ways—

• Keep a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Don’t drink alcohol, or limit alcoholic drinks to no more than one per day.
• If you are taking, or have been told to take, hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives (birth control pills), ask your doctor about the risks and find out if it is right for you.
• Breastfeed your children, if possible.
• If you have a family history of breast cancer or inherited changes in your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, talk to your doctor about other ways to lower your risk.

What Steps Should I Take if Breast Cancer Runs in My Family?

There’s no way to know whether you’ll get breast cancer even if it runs in your family. According to the American Cancer Society, most women who develop breast cancer don’t have any relatives with the illness. But it’s true that a family history of breast cancer does increase your risk.²

If your family history raises red flags, start by talking with your doctor about your family health history. That includes both sides — your mother’s and your father’s. Along with other factors, this can help your doctor evaluate your risk.

If you’re at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, you and your doctor can discuss your options.

They may include:

• A close eye. You may need earlier and more frequent breast exams. This stepped-up monitoring can help find cancer early — and boost the chances of successful treatment. Talk to your doctor about what tests you need and how often you should get them.
• Genetic testing. Women who test positive for an inherited gene may choose more aggressive screening and treatment options.
• Over time, estrogen exposure can affect the risk of breast cancer. For women at high risk, doctors may prescribe certain medicines that act against this hormone.
• Surgery – for women at high risk. Some women may consider preventive surgery. A double mastectomy — removing both breasts — may significantly lower the risk. So might removal of both ovaries in premenopausal women in this group.

These steps aren’t right for everyone. They are typically not recommended for women at average risk. Your doctor can help you determine what’s right for you. Be sure to check your benefit plan to see what services may be covered.

How Can I Support My Friend/Family Member with a Recent Diagnosis?

Many studies have found that cancer survivors with strong emotional support tend to better adjust to the changes cancer brings to their lives, have a more positive outlook, and often report a better quality of life. Research has shown that people with cancer need support from friends. You can make a big difference in the life of someone with cancer.³

Send brief, frequent notes or texts, or make short, regular calls. Include photos, kids’ drawings, silly cards, and cartoons.

Schedule an ongoing virtual visit that allows you to give physical and emotional support for your friend.

Try to refrain from offering medical advice or your opinions on things like diet, vitamins, and herbal therapies.

¹https://www.who.int/cancer/events/breast_cancer_month/en/

² https://www.uhc.com/health-and-wellness/health-topics/cancer/breast-cancer/family-history

³https://www.cancer.org/treatment/caregivers/how-to-be-a-friend-to-someone-with-cancer.html

“Be Kind to Your Mind” is Headspace’s mental health campaign this year to help promote the importance of talking about mental health. Headspace has created a 10-day guide with short writing exercises to days to create a healthier, happier you. You’ll be walked through some easy, mindful exercises, step by step. Some of the exercises might feel new, like meditation. But others, will feel like you’re just doing the everyday things you normally do, just a little more mindfully.

For parents who are managing their workload from home and keeping little ones occupied, it’s a challenging adjustment. When times get tough, restless, or a little bit boring, try these mindful exercises and games from Headspace for kids.

Headspace Tip: Staying Grounded as Seasons Change

It may seem like every day of this year brings more uncertainty. But even when times are quickly changing, there’s one thing we always have control over – our intentions. Planning how we show up in the days ahead can help reduce the stress that comes with change.

Headspace Focus Music

As we head into fall, Headspace can help you set this month’s intentions as part of your meditation practice. For inspiration, check out The Wake Up in the app, and explore new Focus music designed to help you stay centered.

John Legend has joined Headspace as  Chief Music Officer to bring you new artist-curated Focus music each month. First up is a jazz-centric mix, hand-selected by the Legend himself.

World Mental Health Day is observed on the 10^th of October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

This year’s World Mental Health Day comes at a time when our daily lives have changed considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The past months have brought many challenges: for health-care workers, for students, for families, and for people with mental health conditions, many experiencing even greater social isolation than before. And this is to say nothing of managing the grief of losing a loved one, sometimes without being able to say goodbye.

Watch the WHO Big Event for Mental Health

On World Mental Health Day, on the 10^th of October, the World Health Organization will, for the first time ever, host a global online advocacy event on mental health. At this event—the Big Event for Mental Health—world leaders, mental health experts and celebrity guests will join WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, to share with the world how we can improve our mental health.

Tune in from one of WHO’s social media channels:

• Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube
• Start time: 10:00am ET
• The Event is expected to last three hours.

Wellbeing Hotline

Please remember that Benefits-eligible employees are eligible for up to five counseling sessions through the Wellbeing Hotline.  The calls are confidential and provide you access to a trained counseling professional.  You can also access the Hotline to help you with daily tasks such as searching for elder care, finding a financial planner, and creating legal documents, such as a will or power of attorney.

To access the Wellbeing Hotline:

• 866-522-8509 (TTY: 711)
• www.resourcesforliving.com
• Username: GW-Wellbeing
• Password: Yourlife

Welcome to the 2021 Open Enrollment season!  

Open Enrollment 2021 is going on NOW through Friday, October 23rd (8 p.m. ET). This is the time each year for you to revisit your current benefit plans and consider whether any changes are needed for the coming year. Keep in mind, benefits elected during this period will take effect on January 1, 2021. Visit the Benefits Open Enrollment webpage to review the Open Enrollment Guide and other tools and resources.

Mark Your Calendar

Open Enrollment began on Monday, October 5, 2020, and closes at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, October 23, 2020. Most changes made during this period will go into effect on January 1, 2021.

Select Your Benefits

Visit EasyEnroll to review and select your benefits. EasyEnroll has single sign-on capability; if you are logged into a GW-provided computer with your NetID and password, you will automatically be directed into the EasyEnroll site. If you are logging in from a personal computer, you will be prompted to enter your NetID and password. Once logged in select “Open Enrollment for 2021” as the enrollment you’d like to complete.  

Visit go.gwu.edu/openenrollment from now through Friday, October 23rd at 8 p.m. ET to review, change and/or newly elect benefits for 2021.

We Are Here to Help

Do you have questions regarding any of GW’s health and welfare employee benefits plans? The GW Benefits Call Center can assist and will have extended hours during open enrollment! Contact the call center at (888) 4GWUBEN (449-8236) Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET) from now until Friday, October 23rd at 8 p.m. ET.

You can also access previous blog posts on The FSA vs HSA and Comparing Medical Plans to help you as you make selections for 2021.

Get Rewarded With Castlight and Headspace

Castlight is a no cost transparency tool for GW employees and their spouses/domestic partners and adult dependents enrolled in a GW medical plan. The personalized, online tool helps you 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 3. Current GW medical plan participants: Register at mycastlight.com/gw.

Headspace, the mindfulness app, is now available at no cost for benefits-eligible faculty and staff. The app includes guided meditations, sleep programs, exercises and more. Kids programs include themes such as calm, kindness, and bedtime.

Join today! During October, new Headspace registrations will be entered into a FitBit raffle.

Please note: Winnings are taxable and will be included in employee’s taxable wages.