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| Dear GW Community,
Sweater weather is finally here along with pumpkin fields, warm apple cider, colorful leaves and of course Open Enrollment - all marking the beginning of the autumn season!
This year's 2023 Open Enrollment theme, Building a Healthier Today for a Brighter Tomorrow, focuses on taking action today to impact future well-being. Your intentional choices during Open Enrollment will help build security and support you and your family’s health and financial goals tomorrow.
In this GWell October edition, we review Open Enrollment resources and learning opportunities during our upcoming Open Enrollment events. Additionally, we recognize domestic violence prevention month, breast cancer awareness month, and share additional benefit vendor webinars that may be of interest.
There are also a few initiatives happening around our community this month that we want to highlight: World Mental Health Day, recommended flu shots, and an opportunity to feature your paid time off adventures.
If you have questions about any of the benefits featured in GWell or other benefits programs, please contact us at benefits@gwu.edu.
Be Well,
GW Benefits
Human Resource Management and Development
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Join Us For Open Enrollment!
It’s that time! The 2023 Benefits Open Enrollment season has begun, which offers you and your family the opportunity to review your 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.
This year’s Open Enrollment period will run until 8 p.m. (ET) on Friday, October 28, 2022. To elect benefits, employees will use the new benefits enrollment system. This step-by-step Online Enrollment Guide can assist you with navigating the new system. Most changes that you make to your health and welfare plans will go into effect on January 1, 2023.
During Open Enrollment, we invite you to join us for the return of our in-person Open Enrollment fairs. At the fairs you will have the opportunity to speak directly with GW benefit plan providers and receive assistance with the enrollment process. We will also be offering webinars and 1:1 appointments led by our benefits’ vendor partners to provide details about the 2023 benefit programs as well as tools and resources available to you. Please mark your calendars and visit our 2023 Open Enrollment webpage to review the Open Enrollment Guide and other helpful tools and resources.
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| World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day observed on October 10th, highlights many aspects of the challenges faced globally that can lead to mental health disorders. It also emphasizes the need for services, skills and funding for mental health care and treatment across the globe. While, mental health remains a global priority, there are some approaches you can take to improve your daily wellbeing.
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COVID-19 Boosters and Flu Shots
The CDC advisory committee recommends updated COVID-19 boosters. Employees covered by a GW medical plan can receive the applicable booster at no cost.
In addition, the CDC highly recommends that all individuals age 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine each year.
- 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 your flu shot.
- If you are not covered on a GW medical plan, please verify costs with your health insurance company. Most plans will cover the full cost of seasonal flu shots.
Please note: If you require a high dose flu shot, generally recommended for those over age 65, please consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacy in advance regarding availability.
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October is Domestic Violence Prevention Month
Everyone deserves a healthy relationship where both partners take responsibility for their actions and work together to sort out problems. There are times however where a relationship can turn violent. Domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence, occurs when one person in a relationship purposely hurts another person physically or emotionally. It often starts out as threats and verbal abuse and can escalate to physical violence. Many people may not recognize that their relationship is unhealthy, or they may be hopeful that their partner will change. No one has the right to hurt you verbally, emotionally or physically and there are many resources available to help you leave an abusive relationship. It’s important to talk to someone about how to protect yourself as early as possible.
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Awareness for Breast Cancer Month
During October we focus on building awareness for Breast Cancer, prevention, treatment, and research, while also celebrating survivors and remembering those who have passed. While this month contributes great support for an important cause and raises a lot of awareness of breast cancer risks, it can be tough for those affected by cancer, especially those with metastatic cancer, and those who have lost a loved one to this devastating disease. In honor of those still fighting and those who have passed away, here are tips to help you approach breast cancer awareness month.
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Tag You're It - Time Off
As a way to continue to recognize how important it is for you to take your paid time off, we will be extending the “Tag You’re It” benefits campaign! Have your department tag the benefits Twitter account (@gw_benefits) and another department you want to enter next with your favorite vacation pictures or staycation recommendation. All participants will be entered into a raffle for a new travel backpack. We are excited to see your entries and help us encourage one another to prioritize our health and use our well-earned time away.
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Relax and Rejuvenate - Free Employee Seated Massages!
Faculty and staff can enjoy free seated massage at our Open Enrollment Fair!
Foggy Bottom
October 24, 2022
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| October 12 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Quarterly Economic and Market Update with TIAA's Chief Investment Strategist
Take a closer look at our views on the financial markets, including key market drivers, the U.S. economy, policy and politics, and investing in public markets. We’ll also cover the challenges that investors face and how to navigate them.
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| October 18 at 2 p.m. ET
Maximize Social Security in your Retirement Strategy
Understand how Social Security fits into your overall retirement income plan, when to start claiming your benefit, and how it contributes to your overall retirement paycheck.
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| October 27 at 11:30 a.m. ET
Understanding your Retirement Plan and all it has to Offer
Your employer’s retirement plan is an essential part of your future security. Learn how it works, from contributions to investment options, and the George Washington University’s generous matching program. Be sure to make the most of this important benefit.
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| Movement Ergonomics and Posture
Ergonomics is an area of musculoskeletal health that is extremely relevant in many areas of our daily lives. In the work environment, it can refer to how we complete daily tasks or the way we position our bodies at our desk. When the extra mile is taken to be attentive to ergonomics, it can have a major influence on our pain levels, injury risk, productivity, and daily energy. Watch the recording to learn more.
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| Monthly Benefits Vendors' Meetings...
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Meet with GW’s UnitedHealthcare representative, Jessica Wachter, to review outstanding claims and/or ask questions about your medical coverage.
Meetings cam be conducted either in-person at the University Student Center or virtually. Jessica will reach out prior to your appointment to confirm your preference and provide a meeting link for virtual appointments.
For future appointments, please use the arrows in the upper right corner to scroll to the next month.
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Retirement plan participants can schedule a virtual retirement counseling appointment with TIAA or Fidelity. Retirement plan participants can book remote appointments by calling their preferred provider or using the online booking systems listed below:
- Fidelity Investments - Make an appointment online or call 800-642-7131
- TIAA - Make an appointment online or call 866-843-5640
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GW Benefits
45155 Research Place, Suite 160
Ashburn, VA 20147
Phone: (571) 553-8382
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