George Washington University faculty and staff will have the opportunity to change benefits elections during the annual Open Enrollment period, which this year runs from Oct. 11 through Oct. 29, 2021, at 8 p.m. (EDT). Most changes will take effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
All benefits-eligible faculty and staff recently received information on 2022 benefits by email. The information also is available online.
Open Enrollment offers the opportunity to review current benefit elections and make any changes to ensure that your benefits continue to support you and/or your family’s needs and goals for the upcoming year.
Faculty and staff can also explore the many health and welfare benefits that GW offers, including changes and enhancements to programs available for 2022 that help build security, support your health and financial goals and even deliver a few savings opportunities.
Benefits is offering a virtual Open Enrollment fair this year to make it more convenient to meet with GW Benefits' vendor partners. Each week, employees will have the opportunity to join webinars hosted by partners such as UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. Webinars will be offered multiple days and times throughout the open enrollment period. In addition, benefits providers will be available for 10-minute one-on-one appointments to discuss questions that may arise during the benefit election process.
The open enrollment period will end at 8 p.m. EDT on Oct. 29. Here is a look at the benefit enhancements and changes for 2022:
2022 Medical Contribution Overview
Participating full-time faculty and staff will experience a nominal increase of 1 percent in medical employee contributions.
Approximately 90 percent of full-time medical plan participants will see an average increase of less than $5 per month. The monthly employee contribution increase will range from less than $1 to about $8, depending on plan, coverage level and salary band.
There are no changes to the current salary bands and both the GW PPO and GW Health Savings Plan (HSP) will continue to be offered. UnitedHealthcare will continue to be the medical benefits administrator for both plans.
2022 Dental Contribution Overview
In 2022, Aetna Dental plan participants will see a decrease in employee contributions across all three dental plan options and each coverage tier. The monthly contribution decrease will depend on the elected plan and coverage level.
Additionally, two dental plan options will include enhancements. The DMO will now include implant coverage, while the high PPO will offer adult orthodontia coverage.
New Benefits for 2022
Beginning Jan. 1, Simple Therapy will be available to GW medical plan participants and their eligible adult dependents at no cost. This program combines a comprehensive digital program with live physical therapists to help prevent and manage pain across 18 body parts, including knee, hip, neck, shoulder, back, hand and wrist.
This GW-sponsored program includes unlimited coaching support and a care pack filled with tools to help address pain or prevent injuries.
Also starting in January, the GW PPO pharmacy benefit will include PrudentRx for specialty medications. This program is designed to lower out-of-pocket costs by facilitating enrollment in drug manufacturers discount copay cards and assistance programs.
When enrolled in PrudentRx, out-of-pocket costs will be $0 for medications included on the PrudentRx exclusive specialty drug list, which is updated monthly on the Benefits website. Those opting out will be responsible for the 30 percent coinsurance for the drugs on the PrudentRx specialty list.
The university will be implementing a new, highly personalized diabetes management program from CVS for 2022 called Next-Generation Transform Diabetes Care Program. CVS Caremark will send employees currently using the TDC/Livongo program information in November and December on how to transition to the new program.
Mandatory Maintenance Choice–All Access with Opt-Out
Employees with a condition requiring ongoing prescription medication will pay the lowest cost by requesting that their doctor provide a prescription for a 90-day supply of their medication. These can be filled at any CVS/pharmacy retail store or through CVS Caremark mail order.
Beginning Jan. 1, under the Mandatory Maintenance Choice–All Access with Opt Out program, the number of 30-day fills for maintenance prescriptions at a retail pharmacy (including CVS) continues to be limited to three. However, after the third 30-day fill of a maintenance prescription, medication will not be covered until an employee either:
- Moves to a 90-day prescription filled at CVS retail or CVS Caremark mail order, or;
- Opts out of the Mandatory Maintenance Choice—All Access program. Those opting out can continue filling monthly at their local pharmacy but will forgo the savings and convenience opportunities associated with the program. Deductible/coinsurance applies.
Tax-advantaged accounts
Per the IRS, the annual maximum for Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions will increase by $50 for individual coverage and $100 for family coverage for 2022. The GW match for the HSA continues. GW will match dollar for dollar up to $600 for those enrolled for employee only coverage and up to $1,200 for those covering dependents under the GW Health Savings Plan.
The annual maximum for the Health Care FSA will remain the same at $2,750. The annual maximum for the Dependent Day Care FSA will remain the same at $5,000 (or $2,500 if individual and spouse file separate tax returns).
Flu shots
The CDC highly recommends all people 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccine. GW will offer flu clinics at the Foggy Bottom and Virginia Science and Technology campuses in September October. Please visit the Onward website for details.
Employees covered by a GW medical plan can visit area pharmacies and convenience care clinics to receive a flu shot at no cost. GW medical plan participants will need to show their CVS Caremark ID card at the time of their flu shot.
Those not covered on a GW medical plan should verify costs with their health insurance company. Most plans will cover the full cost of seasonal flu shots. Employees requiring a high-dose flu shot, generally recommended for those over age 65, should consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacy in advance regarding availability.
More information
Questions regarding any of GW’s health and welfare employee benefit plans may be directed to the Benefits Call Center at (888) 4GWUBEN (449-8236) or [email protected].
Faculty and staff will receive more information about these resources and events as it becomes available.