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FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT DEADLINE FOR 2018 ACCOUNTS

Employee Benefits

If you have a 2018 Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA), you have until April 30, 2019 to submit claims for eligible health and/or dependent care expenses incurred for 2018.  Please visit PayFlex for up-to-date HCFSA balances and claims status information.

  • Health Care FSA members – your claims must be for eligible expenses incurred between January 1, 2018* and March 15, 2019
  • Dependent Day Care FSA members – your claims must be for eligible expenses incurred between January 1, 2018* and December 31, 2018.

*If your effective date of coverage is after January 1, 2018, you can only submit claims for eligible expenses incurred on or after your effective date through the end dates listed above.

Special Note: If you have a HCFSA for 2018 and you enrolled in the GW Health Savings Plan (HSP) and elected a Health Savings Account (HSA) for 2019, please review HSA effective date details below:

  • If you wish to have your HSA begin as of January 1, 2019, please be sure to use all funds in your HCFSA by December 31, 2018 (account balance must be zero*).
  • If you have funds left in your HCFSA as of December 31, 2018, they will carry over and be available during the HCFSA grace period, which ends on March 15, 2019. Your HSA will be effective April 1, 2019.

Unsure of how to spend down your HCFSA? Chances are there are eligible expenses that you didn’t think to submit and may even be found at your local pharmacy.  Visit PayFlex for a list of eligible medical expenses, such as contact lens solution, first-aid kits, sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), and thermometers.

What’s Happening Around D.C. Over the Winter Break

Health

Have plans over the Winter Break? If you’re looking for fun activities with friends and family look no further. We’ve compiled a list of events taking place between now and January to inspire you to explore, get outdoors and enjoy your much deserved time away.

Keeping Zen This Holiday Season

Health

During the holiday season, family gatherings, gift buying, decorating and the flurry of other seasonal activities can leave you a bit blue and drained.  Using mindfulness may help you become more resilient by developing inner resources to meet (and conquer!) those life stressors. Most of us have heard that sitting and focusing on slow, deep breathing is a notable way to help you achieve mindfulness. There are other simple ways you can be mindful if meditating isn’t your cup of tea. Here are some examples:

Tune in to what matters. Mindfulness is not just about living life more fully, but also encompasses gaining more insight about how you want to live your life. This goes for holidays, too. Focus on what part gives you meaning and/or makes you happy and give up what makes you stressed.

Scratch multitasking off your list. Focusing on doing one thing fully at a time can help loosen the grip of anxious thoughts and help you feel more balanced. For practice, take an orange and peel it very slowly. Feel the pebbly surface, smell the pungent fragrance, and taste the tangy juiciness. Bring your full attention to whatever you are doing, whether stringing lights or participating in a year-end meeting.

Take a few minutes to walk outside. There’s a reason why most retreats include outdoor sessions.  A walk in the fresh air, feeling your feet firmly strike the ground can bring you back to the calmness of the moment, silencing anxious thoughts such as how you’re going to get everything done. While outdoors, learn a classic mindfulness technique: look up at the clouds. Whenever worrisome or negative thoughts intrude, don’t judge them. Let them arise and float by like passing clouds.

Tap into the small moments of joy. It may not come from hosting the perfect holiday spread or finding the perfect gift. Just seeing the winter moon shining through the trees or your dog romping through the first snowfall can bring heartfelt delight once you become aware of experiencing the moment.

Learn to say, “hmmm, that’s interesting.”  Things not going exactly as planned? Are there heated discussions at a family get-together? Instead of reacting and letting anxiety or anger take over, learn to just observe what you’re feeling, and “greet your emotions with kindness.” This will help you reconnect more with yourself, and by so doing, may help you experience more interconnectedness with others.

Technology can be a surprising benefit when you’re seeking a few minutes peace. Several free mindfulness apps are available at the touch of your finger.  Check out our blog from October, Take 5: Top Mental Health Apps, to get started.

 

Top 8 Ways to Save For Retirement

Financial Wellness

Financial security in retirement takes planning and commitment and yes, money.

  1. Start saving and keep saving

It’s never too early or too late to start saving for retirement. If you are already saving, keep going! If you aren’t, it’s time to start. Start small if you have to, increasing the amount you save each month. Visit NetBenefits to review and make changes to your current contribution rate.

  1. Understand your retirement needs

Retirement is not cheap. Experts estimate that in order to maintain your standard of living when you retire, you will need at least 55 to 80% percent of your preretirement income.1 Several factors impact this percentage, including desired retirement lifestyle, social security, expected healthcare expenses, and market volatility, among others.

Experts recommend saving 15% of your annual income each year. This amount changes based on the age you started saving.  While this may seem a lot, GW’s matching contribution for employees with 2+ years of service can help you reach this goal.

Utilize the retirement calculators on the Fidelity (www.fidelity.com ) and TIAA (www.tiaa.org ) websites to help provide a financial check-up and see if you’re on target.

https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/how-much-money-should-I-save

  1. Learn about GW’s 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plans

You may begin making contributions to GW’s 403(b) Retirement Plan upon employment with the university. GW offers traditional (pre-tax) and Roth (post-tax) options. After completing two years of service* at GW, you will automatically be enrolled in our 401(a) Retirement Plan, to which GW will make a base contribution of 4 percent of your eligible salary. Here’s where it gets really good: If you participate in the 403(b) Retirement Plan, GW will also match 150 percent of the first 4 percent of your contributions, up to a maximum match contribution of 6 percent.  So an opportunity to receive up to 10% in base and matching contributions from GW!

*The two-year service requirement may be satisfied in whole or in part by service at another college or university. Visit www.benefits.gwu.edu/401a-retirement-plan  to learn more.

  1. Consider basic investment principles

Inflation and the types of investments you make have a major effect on how much you will have saved at retirement. Learn about your plan’s investment options and ask questions along the way. Diversify your portfolio by putting your savings in different types of investments; by doing so, you are more likely to reduce risk and improve return. Over time, your investment mix may evolve depending on various factors such as age, goals and financial circumstances.

  1. Contribute pre-tax or post-tax Roth to GW’s 403(b) retirement plan

Currently, you may contribute up to $18,500, per year, to the University 403(b) plan; those who are over 50 years of age may contribute an additional $6,000 for a total of $24,500.

The IRS recently announced the new retirement plan dollar limitations for the 2019 calendar year; the elective deferral limitations for the 403(b) plan will increase by $500 to $19,000, while the catch-up contribution limits for individuals aged 50 and older for the 403(b) plan will remain the same at $6,000. Be sure to visit NetBenefits to review your current deferral percentage to ensure you’re on track to meet your goal for 2019.

  1. Try not to touch your retirement savings

If you withdraw from your retirement savings prematurely, you will not only lose principal and interest, but you may also lose tax benefits or face withdrawal penalties. When changing jobs, leave your savings invested in your current retirement plan or roll them over to either an IRA or your new employer’s plan.

  1. Learn about your Social Security benefits

On average, Social Security retirement benefits will replace only about 40 percent of what you earned before retirement.2 Estimate your benefit by using the retirement estimator on the Social Security Administration’s website: www.socialsecurity.gov.

  1. Ask questions

We hope the tips in this article will get you thinking about retirement. Fidelity and TIAA both offer individual appointments to assist you with enrolling, questions related to your plan and available investments. For more information about GW retirement plans, visit https://benefits.gwu.edu/retirement.

  1. https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/how-much-money-should-I-save
  2. “Prepare For Your Financial Needs.” Retirement Planner: Learn About Social Security Programs, www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/r&m6.html .

IRS Increases Parking Contribution for 2019

Employee Benefits

The IRS has announced that the pre-tax parking limit for 2019 will increase from $260 to $265.  GW will continue to offer a pre-tax parking deduction for off-campus and occasional on-campus parking expenses up to the new IRS limit of $265.  You elected amount should be based on your estimated monthly parking expenses.

Should you wish to amend your parking contribution amount effective January 1, 2019, please complete the 2019 Parking Enrollment Form and submit it to GW benefits no later than December 20th 2018 to ensure timely processing. Enrollment and/or changes made on or after January 1, 2019 must be completed using the EasyEnroll system.

Please note: Claims for eligible parking expenses incurred in 2018 must be submitted to PayFlex no later than December 31, 2019 to be considered for reimbursement.

2019 GW Benefits Tips and Reminders

Employee Benefits

The 2019 Benefits Tips and Reminders packet is now available on our website. Inside, you will find instructions related to our benefit offerings, including:

  • How to register for online account access with each vendor
  • 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 take the time to carefully review the packet, and be sure to note important deadlines! The document also provides contact information for each vendor, as well as additional tools you can utilize to maximize use of your benefits throughout the year.

If you have any additional questions regarding your health and welfare benefits, please contact GW Benefits by emailing benefits@gwu.edu or calling (571) 553-8382. You can also connect with us and receive important updates, reminders and announcements by following @gw_benefits on Twitter.

How To Enjoy the Holidays Without Breaking the Budget

Employee Benefits

While we all enjoy the holiday season, it can also be a stressful time of year. Over-planned calendars and surprise events mean that this time of year not only costs time but money, too. Before you decide how much to parcel out for your white-elephant exchange or favorite charity, take a look at these tips to help your budget stay green.

Create Your Overall Holiday Budget

Add up how much you anticipate spending this holiday season by categories:

  • Travel (include plane tickets, gas, tolls, rental cars, hotels, Airbnbs, etc.)
  • Food (include special holiday meals, eating out with friends, and while on the road traveling)
  • Gifts (family, neighborhood cookie exchange and work)
  • Decorations
  • Activities (ice skating, schools-out activities, and winter light displays)
  • Day camps while school is out

Decide on Your Spending Limit

Determine if you have enough money available to cover additional expenses this year. When you are considering this amount be sure that you only use money that you have set aside or that you can find in your budget.

Assign Money to Each Category 

Divide the money up over the different categories that you have. This means assigning a specific amount for each gift. This is also helpful when you brainstorm gift ideas. Having a set amount helps you find ideas within that price range.  Compare this total to the overall spending limit you calculated.

Time to Make Some Cuts

If there’s no leeway between your budget and your projected holiday expenses, it’s time to make a few changes. Do you have to get your siblings presents or can you just exchange cards this year? (you can forward this GWell to family to start the conversation now!)  Do your kids need a new Xbox or can you opt for smaller gifts?

It’s also helpful to know where you can make changes in a more permanent way: can you reduce the number of weekday take-out meals? Are there subscription services that you aren’t really using? You don’t have to make the changes permanent. Even a temporary freeze could free up some room in your budget.

Make a Shopping List 

Once your budget is created, use a list for your holiday shopping. You should have one or two ideas within your price range for each individual. If you take the time to search the sales papers and online deals you may even be able to find some great gifts for less money than you budgeted.

Time is More Precious than Gifts

If you’ve gone through your budget and don’t have any extra money to give this year, don’t despair. Maybe there are other ways to make someone know you’re thinking of them.  How about a free babysitting coupon for your neighbors?  Or, have your children get involved by walking the neighbors pet for free over the holidays while they travel.

Set the Example

For people who can’t give as much as they’d like—or just want to give more—they can consider fundraising for their favorite organization. Many people feel charitable during the holidays, but struggle to find a way to help.

Social media is a great way to get the word out, but nothing is as effective as talking to people directly. You can even hold a physical drive if you know of a charity that’s looking for specific items, such as an animal rescue shelter looking for old towels or a women’s shelter looking for toiletries. This way, you can declutter your house and help out your favorite mission at the same time.

Summary

With a little bit of planning, imagination and conscious effort, you can reduce the stress that starts to creep up this time of year.  Gift-giving, potlucks, family dinners and charitable acts are intended to spread joy.  If your budget is squeezed, there are creative ways to make someone know they make a difference in your life.  But remember, your presence can be the most meaningful present!

salmon almonds berries broccoli avocado walnuts

Healthy Eating Tips From Debbie Amster

Employee Benefits, Health

This year, GW Benefits launched free healthy cooking demos at Foggy Bottom and VSTC campuses for faculty and staff.  Debbie Amster, a culinary coach who studied with Hale Sofia Schatz, international nutrition educator, brings charm, wit and deep knowledge to each class, leaving you inspired to change-up your kitchen routine.  Each cooking demo includes recipes, a live cooking demonstration, and anecdotal tips to help make simple lifestyle changes.

In October, Debbie shared three easy recipes, and brought delicious samples to cure the group’s lunch-time cravings. They included: Homemade Hummus, Ricotta Stuffed Dates and a Kicked-Up Kale Salad (will link to recipes).

Debbie’s healthy eating tips keep the conversation lively and interesting.  Some tips from October’s session included:

  • Keep canned beans on hand. A quick sauté with olive oil, garlic and lemon juice, creates a healthy meal in no time. Add a side salad and you have fiber, protein and even iron in one meal.
  • Engage kids in grocery shopping. Have children pick a fruit or vegetable they have never had before. Ask them to research the fruit (if age appropriate), and figure out how to open and serve it.
  • Make hummus at home. In less than 5 minutes, Debbie’s class was tasting silky hummus that could have easily beat store bought in a taste test. The ingredients cost less than $1.50/serving vs. $4 – $6 for a small tub of store-bought hummus.
  • Lunch meals should be more substantial than your evening meals. An easy way to remember this is that the word supper is derived from soup.  While the temps drop, consider switching your dinner meal for your lunch, and have a hearty, warm bowl of soup after work.
  • Give your body 12 hours between dinner and breakfast.  This helps the body break down food for nutrition and repair while you rest.
  • Be mindful when you eat. Slowing down allows our mind and body to communicate, helping curb overeating.

We welcome Debbie back to Foggy Bottom on December 4th and to VSTC on December 5th. Attendees will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a Fitbit Charge 2. (Value of winnings is taxable and will be included in employee’s payroll.)

Foggy Bottom Registration and VSTC Registration

World Kindness Day

Employee Benefits

Topic 3: World Kindness Day

World Kindness Day, celebrated last week on November 13th, inspired us to start sharing our gratefulness ahead of Thanksgiving.  The international day of observance encourages us to spread kindness in the simplest of ways.  It also allows us to celebrate good deeds in the community, focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us. Whether it’s a note left in the neighbor’s mailbox thanking him for carrying bags of mulch, or acknowledging that special co-worker who always has your back, there are easy and fun ideas that can brighten someone’s day.

  • Set your alarm to go off three times a day. When it rings, send an email, text or make a phone call to let someone know you are thinking of them.
  • Compliment the first three people you see.
  • Say “Good Morning” to the person in the elevator.
  • Pick up litter.  Spend 5 minutes cleaning up the street you walk on the way to work.

GW Human Resources makes it easy for you to spread kindness to your team and department. Submit a Positive Vibe to publicly thank, congratulate, or recognize a GW colleague on either a job well done or a special occasion. Print fun recognition cards and leave it on your co-workers desk, or keep a recognition box for employees to drop in notes when someone’s gone above and beyond.

 “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” – Mark Twain

 

National Diabetes Month: Tips and Tools to Understanding Diabetes

Health

It’s likely you know someone close to you affected by diabetes.  In the United States, approximately 30 million people are living with diabetes and 84 million with prediabetes.*  This time of year, communities and diabetes organizations team up to raise awareness not only in support of those living with diabetes, but also to help spread education about the disease.

*The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2018)

What are the some of the symptoms of diabetes?

The following symptoms of diabetes are typical. However, some people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms so mild that they go unnoticed.

Common symptoms of diabetes:

  • Urinating often
  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
  • Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1)
  • Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Am I at risk of developing diabetes?

Acting now is the best step to take if you think you are at risk of developing diabetes.  The CDC has created this quiz to see if you are at risk: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/pdf/prediabetestest.pdf.

Listen and Learn

The Understanding Diabetes podcast provides basic awareness and understanding of diabetes. Participants will learn the differences between Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes and prediabetes. Participants also will learn about the lifestyle choices that may place them at risk and steps they can take to help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

What help is available to manage  diabetes?

GW offers CVS Health’s Transform Diabetes Care with Livongo (TDC/ Livongo), a total condition level management program designed to improve health outcomes and lower your pharmacy costs. 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.”

Get Moving

Whether you have a health condition or not, we can all agree that regular activity and managing weight control – a key to preventing type 2 diabetes – are small healthy steps that add up big.  Print this helpful infographic to stay inspired as you put your health front and center in 2019.

 

 

Take 5: Top Mental Health Apps

Health

Looking to boost your morning mood?  Look no further than your phone. With numerous mental health apps now available at your fingertips, app developers have made it easier than ever to take that 10 minute meditation lunch break or find peace on your next Metro journey.  They even have apps for kids!

So, how do you know which app is best for you?  We’ve selected some of the top mental health apps as ranked by Healthline and Medical News Today to help get you started. While each one has its own approach, they all have a similar mission: to help improve users’ moods and overall mental health.

1) Calm

Android: Free  iPhone: Free

Calm was branded as Apple’s “App of the Year” in 2017. The app is designed to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and help you to feel happier .Calm focuses on the four key areas of meditation, breathing, sleep, and relaxation, with the aim of bringing joy, clarity, and peace to your daily life.  It also includes a feature called Daily Calm, a 10-minute program you can practice before the beginning or end of your day — a great routine to get into.

2) Headspace

Android: Free iPhone: Free

Whether you need to build healthier relationships, find a place of calm, keep your mind fit, or reduce stress, Headspace has hundreds of themed mindfulness and meditation sessions to support you. Its free trial includes 10 exercises geared toward beginners that can help you learn more about meditation as well as applying it to your life. Check out the personalized progress page, reward system for continued practice, and buddy system that lets users connect with others to stay on track.

3) Smiling Mind

Android: Free  iPhone: Free

Get your little ones into the practice of meditation using Smiling Mind, an app that can be tailored to different age groups — even children as young as seven years old. Create accounts for different family members so everyone can manage their meditation practice in the app. Teachers can also use the app to make meditation education part of their classroom activities

4) Moodnotes  

iPhone: $3.99

Moodnotes is a thought journal and mood diary. The app can be used to capture your feelings and improve your thinking habits through the implementation of CBT and positive psychology. It can help you learn to recognize “traps” in your thinking and ways to rethink the situation.

5) Moodpath

Android: Free  iPhone: Free

Moodpath asks daily questions in order to assess your well-being and screen for symptoms of depression. The screening progress aims to increase your awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and feelings. After a period of 2 weeks, the app generates an electronic document that you can discuss with a healthcare professional.

6) 10% Happier

Android: Free  iPhone: Free

Not sure if you should try meditation? This app is designed for skeptics who want to try meditation, but want to simplify the process with practical, easy-to-apply content. The exercises aim to help users with anxiety and sleep, and the app always adds new content each week. This app was created by the well-known news anchor Dan Harris to help others find more peace in life

7) Stop, Breathe & Think

Android: Free  iPhone: Free

This meditation app boasts more than 55 options for guided meditation selections, so you’ll never get bored with your practice. It also segments exercises according to topics such as sleep, compassion, depression, and anxiety. You can tailor chimes and sounds to your preferences, and record your daily meditation practice to track progress throughout the year. Even more content is available with premium subscription.8)

8) Happify

Android: Free  iPhone: Free

Happify is a space to overcome negative thoughts and stress and build resilience. Whether you are feeling stressed, anxious, or sad, Happify helps you to regain control of your thoughts and feelings. In fact, 86 percent of the app’s users report feeling better about their lives after 2 months of using it.  Happify employs techniques and evidence-based interventions in the areas of CBT, positive psychology, and mindfulness to help you break old and unhealthful patterns and form new, healthful habits.

9) The Wellbeing Hotline

Don’t forget that part of your GW Benefits plan includes The Wellbeing Hotline – Resources for Living.  At no cost to you and all members of your household (including dependent children up to age 26, whether or not they live at home), you can receive help from work-life specialists that will help get your “to-do” list complete.

Also included is up to five counseling sessions* with licensed network professionals at no cost to you; you don’t have to worry about copays or deductibles. Counseling sessions are available in-person, by phone or via televideo. This no-cost counseling service helps you address stress, relationship and other personal issues you and your family may face.

  • Stress, anxiety and depression
  • Relationship/marital conflicts
  • Problems with children
  • Job pressures
  • Grief and loss
  • Substance abuse

*Per person, per issue, per year

Your 2019 Open Enrollment Checklist

Open Enrollment

We’re nearing the close of Open Enrollment 2019, which ends at 8 p.m. EST on Friday, October 26, 2018. Most benefits elected during this period will take effect on January 1, 2019. Make sure you take advantage of all the resources and tools available to you during this time, including those available at benefits.gwu.edu/annual-open-enrollment. We’ve also put together an October Open Enrollment checklist to help you cover all the bases:

 

  1. Read the Open Enrollment Guide

The 2019 Open Enrollment Guide is an invaluable resource that condenses all of the critical information related to your benefits at GW. The guide provides an overview of 2019 benefit programs and changes, as well as detailed plan information, coverage options, rates and healthcare tools. Download your copy today!

 

  1. Attend Our Final Benefits Open Enrollment Fair

Our final Open Enrollment Fair takes place Wednesday, October 24th, 10am – 3pm at Marvin Center in the Ballroom.  The Benefits Open Enrollment Fairs are a crucial component of the annual open enrollment process – they give you the opportunity to speak directly with the university’s benefit plan providers, receive assistance with the enrollment process and get a free flu shot. Flu shot appointments have all been booked, but we are accepting walk-ins at the Open Enrollment fair. Please note: High dose flu shots, generally recommended for those over age 65, will be available. 

 

  1. Register for Castlight within minutes

Castlight is available at no cost to GW employees and their spouses/domestic partners and adult dependents enrolled in a GW health plan. This personalized, online tool helps you and your family find high-quality, affordable care, compare prices and more! Current GW medical plan participants: If you haven’t already, register for Castlight during the month of October for a chance to win a Fitbit Charge 2*. Register now at mycastlight.com/gw.

*Value of winnings is taxable and will be included in your payroll.

 

  1. Direct questions to the Call Center

If you have questions regarding any of GW’s health and welfare employee benefits plans, the GW Benefits Call Center can assist – now with extended hours through October 26th! Contact the call center at (888) 4GWUBEN (449-8236) from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

 

  1. Don’t Miss this Once-a-Year Opportunity!

Visit go.gwu.edu/openenrollment to review, change or select new benefits for 2019. All benefits elections and changes must be made by 8 p.m. ET on Friday, October 26.

To provide an added layer of security to the enrollment system, a new multi-factor authentication process requires you to:

  • Create your own unique username and  Your username and password must contain a capital letter, a number, etc.
  • Set up three security questions
  • Confirm an email address
  • Sign up to have temporary security codes sent to your cell phone or e-mail to protect against stolen passwords and logins

These steps must be taken BEFORE you can login and enroll. We recommend that you allow additional time for these steps.

A reminder that your initial username is your GWID without the G.  Your initial password is typically the last (4) digits of your SSN.

 

  1. Follow us on Twitter

Follow @gw_benefits for your daily dose of employee benefits news. We’ll tweet the latest information, updates and reminders throughout Open Enrollment.

InfoArmor’s Best Practices for Using Mobile Phones

Employee Benefits

InfoArmor is a new GW Benefit introduced this month during Open Enrollment to help employees protect their identity. It’s a protection plan that’s voluntary, meaning you can enroll or cancel at any time during the year.

The robust plan includes proactive identity monitoring, three bureau credit monitoring, digital analysis, social media, financial and email protections. Other offerings include a dedicated InfoArmor Privacy Advocate to handle alert escalations and contact merchants to remediate on behalf of the participant, a $1,000,000 Identity Theft Insurance Policy and a generous Under Roof/Under Wallet participant definition that covers the entire family.

To get started on your online health checkup, we’re including mobile phone tips from InfoArmor.  The full document shares ways to protect your identity on social sites and when using search engines.

1) Use a PIN

Seems like an obvious step, but you would be surprised that many mobile phone users don’t use a PIN.  28 percent of people  don’t use a lock screen for their smartphone — protect your personal data by setting a Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your phone.

2) Turn off GPS tracking

If a hacker gains access to your phone and you have GPS tracking enabled, they can track your every move. Additionally, advertisers base the majority of the ads you see on your location data.

Navigate to your phone’s settings and review/edit the apps you’ve granted location access. If it’s not necessary for an app to know your location, disable the location access.

3) Protect your phone number

In addition to editing your phone’s privacy settings, you should also be careful who you’re sharing your phone number with. If you’re signing up for a store loyalty card, for example, it’s a good idea not to use a phone number tied to any of your online accounts.

4) Lost phones

Both Android and iOS devices come with awesome features to assist you if your device is lost or stolen.

ANDROID

Google’s “Find My Device” feature is particularly powerful; just be certain it’s set up properly. To do this, navigate over to the Security & Locations menu and verify that Google’s Find My Device service has permission to erase your phone. Now you can remotely lock your lost phone with a secure password, send a customized message to anyone who finds your phone, sign out of the device, and remotely wipe your entire data. You can also locate your device by searching “find my device” on Google.

APPLE

Apple’s Find My iPhone provides features similar to Android’s version. If your phone is lost, simply log in to www.icloud.com, and select “Find iPhone.” You can now view your device’s location on a map, place your phone in lost mode, add a secondary number for someone to call if it’s found, and even remotely erase your device.

5) Monitor your apps permissions

It’s critical you monitor the permissions of your apps and restrict their capabilities where possible. If an app doesn’t need access to your camera, calendar, or location to function, consider disabling these features.

 ANDROID

Go to Settings, select Apps & Notifications, then tap App Permissions. You can now view and edit each app’s permission settings.

APPLE

Click Settings and then Privacy. You can now select which apps are allowed to access your contacts, calendars, photos, and more.

 Ready to Enroll? Visit infoarmor.com/gw

Remember, you can enroll or cancel at any time.  Coverage will begin immediately after enrollment. Payment for this voluntary program is made directly to InfoArmor.

 

 

A New “Pet” Project

Employee Benefits

Beginning October 8th, GW introduced a new voluntary benefit to protect your four-legged family members.  You can now enroll in pet insurance through Nationwide as a voluntary benefit.   You can enroll or cancel at any time during the year. Questions about Pet Insurance? Here are some tips from Nationwide to help you get started.

How Does The Plan Work?

Similar to health insurance for the people in your family, the Pet Insurance Plan helps you meet the cost of caring for your pets. Coverage is also available for many exotic pets.

You have two options: My Pet Protection and My Pet Protection with Wellness. The wellness plan option includes spay/neuter, preventive dental cleaning and more. Both plans simply reimburse 90 percent of your vet bill, no need to refer to a complex benefit schedule. A $250 annual deductible and $7,500 maximum annual benefit apply to both plans.

In short, you can visit any vet, anywhere, and you can enroll multiple pets in individual plans at an additional discount. All members have access to a 24/7 Vet Helpline, which provides unlimited access to a veterinary professional via call, email or online chat.

Where to start

You can start by researching pet coverage and requesting a pet insurance quote online. (Receive a quote in October and you will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card.)

You may also want to speak to your veterinarian. Since they’re pet experts, they can talk about your animal, its condition, and any concerns that may be associated with its breed as well as any other potential problems. The discussion can help you look for a policy that best addresses those issues.

When Should I Buy a Plan for My Pet?

It’s recommended to purchase pet insurance when your pet is young, because it’s easier to insure and you’re less likely to deal with exclusions or riders for pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is basically any illness or injury that your pet had before coverage started. The good news is, not all pre-existing conditions are excluded permanently. If you have medical records from your vet showing that your pet’s condition has been cured for at least six months, you may be able to obtain coverage.

OK, I’m Ready!

Once you’ve made the decision, enrollment is relatively easy with 4 quick steps*. All you have to do is (1) visit www.petinsurance.com/gw  (2) select the species (dog or cat)** (3) provide your zip code (4) pick between two plans.  You don’t even have to take your pet in for an exam.

*Coverage will being 14 days after enrollment.  Payments for this voluntary program are made directly to Nationwide.

**To enroll your bird, rabbit, reptile or other exotic pet, please call 888-899-4874.

Already have Nationwide Pet Insurance?

Call (877)738-7874 and speak with a member of Nationwide’s care team. Let them know that you are a GW employee to take advantage of the discount pricing available!

*Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which are controlling. Such terms and availability may vary by state and exclusions may apply. Discounts may not be applied to all policy coverages.

woman tying her running shoes

Fall 2018 Schedule of Free Faculty and Staff Group Exercise Classes

Discounts & Perks

The Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences is happy to announce the Fall 2018 schedule of free faculty and staff group exercise classes. Classes will be offered from Monday, August 27th, 2018, through Thursday, December 20th, 2018* at the Foggy Bottom campus. See schedule below:

 

Yoga

Mondays and Wednesdays

12 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.

GWSPH B119

Please bring your own mat.

 

ME (Metabolic Effect)

Mondays and Wednesdays

12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

GWSPH B112B

Prepare to give it your all for 30 minutes.

 

Zumba

Wednesdays

6:00 p.m. to 6:50 p.m.

GWSPH B112B

For a happy, healthy heart, dance like no one’s watching!

 

Meditation

Thursdays

12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

GWSPH 300C

Learn to find peace in stress.

 

To be eligible for these classes, the designation on your GWorld card must list Faculty or Staff. Please arrive to class on time.

Subscribe to the Free Faculty/Staff Classes listserv Free Faculty/Staff Classes listserv

For more information, please contact the LSPA Program Office at LSPA@gwu.edu or (202) 994-6280.

*Classes will follow the Academic Calendar and are not held during breaks or holidays.

Human hand holding piggy bank

Fidelity Reduces Index Fund fees

Financial Wellness

Fidelity recently made changes to two funds available in the GW retirement plans with the goal of providing investors with additional value and simplicity.

 

On August 1st, Fidelity reduced the expense ratios on the Fidelity 500 (FXSIX) and the Fidelity US Bond (FSITX) Index funds. GW plan participants with investments in these Index funds will see immediate savings. Fidelity will also merge assets in the different investor classes of the impacted funds. The share class changes are expected to be completed by November 2, 2018. If you have funds invested in a Fidelity Index Fund this change may appear as an exchange on your account statement in the next few months.

 

For more information see Fidelity’s FAQs. To view or change your current investment elections, log on to netbenefits.com/GW.

 

REMINDER: Retirement counseling sessions are available with both Fidelity and TIAA representatives on campus should you wish to discuss your retirement goals and fund options. Or you can contact your retirement provider or a financial advisor for more guidance. Visit https://benefits.gwu.edu/retirement-counseling for details. Further information regarding GW retirement plans can be found at benefits.gwu.edu/retirement-savings.

 

Friends sharing healthy meal

Healthy Aging

Health

September is Healthy Aging Month and the time to get started on better health practices. You’re never too old to add new things to your life becoming a healthier, happier you. No matter what your age, you can stay at your personal best with these tips:

 

Tip One: Games and Brain Health 

Is it time to break out the crossword puzzles? Experts say that playing games, regular cardio and healthy eating all contribute to your brain health. If you have fallen out of a healthy routine, now is the time to pick it up again. Challenging yourself through regular brain games can increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life.

 

Tip Two: Eating Fresh

As our metabolism changes with age, we must become even more selective of the foods we eat. Fresh fruits, veggies, leafy greens, nuts, oats and beans are all packed with vitamins and minerals that nourish your body and help keep you feeling good from the inside out. A fun way to stock your kitchen with fresh healthy food is to visit your local farmer’s market. When shopping at the grocery store, focus on the items on the perimeter, this is typically where the fresh foods are stocked. Looking for a sweet treat? Try a young coconut, its juice can satisfy a sweet tooth and the rich lining of coconut meat is said to be a major brain booster!

 

Tip Three: Healthy Friendships 

Friendships enhance your life and bring you joy. If you have a friend that is dragging you down with negativity it can be challenging to be positive yourself. Having a heart to heart conversation or distancing yourself from someone can be tough but necessary. Unhealthy relationships can be toxic to your health and over all wellbeing. Surround yourself with positive people who lift you up. When it comes to friendships, quality is more important than quantity, one true friend can have immeasurable value.

 

Tip Four: Life Enriching Activities 

Are there areas that have become neglected over time when it comes to your health? There are many ways to enrich your life spiritually, physically, socially, educationally, emotionally and occupationally. Try incorporating positive health habits to add balance and wellness to your body and overall well-being. Whether it’s scheduling a get together with a friend or dedicating 10 minutes a day to a quiet meditation, making healthy choices such as those listed above can keep you on track to healthy and happy aging.

man holding smartphone and using Castlight app

Make the Most Out of Your Health Plan and Benefits with Castlight

Health

As you enroll in this year’s health plan, set yourself up for success. With GW medical plan participation, you gain access to Castlight, a free benefit for GW employees and their spouses/domestic partners and adult dependents that will let you experience healthcare in a whole new way. Here are just a few ways Castlight can help you make the most out of your health plan and benefits:

  • Personalized cost estimates
  • Ratings and reviews of in-network doctors
  • Your past bills in one place
  • Step-by-step explanations of past medical spending
  • Benefits program information
  • Contact information for doctors and hospitals
  • Timely information about conditions and treatments
  • Current balances for your Healthcare Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account
  • Prescription drug option information

 

Get Rewarded. Current GW medical plan participants who register for the first time during the month of October, will be entered in a drawing for a FitBit Charge 2*.

 

Register for Castlight at mycastlight.com/gw

 

User privacy and security are of the utmost importance. To protect user information, Castlight invests in industry-leading protocols and processes. Learn more about Castlight user security and privacy and review their privacy statement and security detail for additional information.

 

 *Winnings are taxable and will be included in payroll.

Gearing up for Open Enrollment

Health

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:

 

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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!

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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).

 

  1. 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.)

 

  1. 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.

woman tying her running shoes

Fall 2018 Faculty and Staff Free Group Exercise Schedule

Discounts & Perks

The Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences is happy to announce the Fall 2018 schedule of free faculty and staff group exercise classes. Classes will be offered from Monday, August 27th, 2018, through Thursday, December 20th, 2018* at the Foggy Bottom campus. See schedule below:

 

Yoga

Mondays and Wednesdays

12 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.

GWSPH B119

Please bring your own mat.

 

ME (Metabolic Effect)

Mondays and Wednesdays

12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

GWSPH B112B

Prepare to give it your all for 30 minutes.

 

Zumba

Wednesdays

6:00 p.m. to 6:50 p.m.

GWSPH B112B

For a happy, healthy heart, dance like no one’s watching!

 

Meditation

Thursdays

12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

GWSPH 300C

Learn to find peace in stress.

 

To be eligible for these classes, the designation on your GWorld card must list Faculty or Staff. Please arrive to class on time.

Subscribe to the Free Faculty/Staff Classes listserv Free Faculty/Staff Classes listserv

For more information, please contact the LSPA Program Office at LSPA@gwu.edu or (202) 994-6280.

*Classes will follow the Academic Calendar and are not held during breaks or holidays.

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