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| Dear GW Community,
As we close out 2022 with this last December edition of GWell, we thank you for your readership and look forward to bringing you new resources, connections, and benefits information in 2023. Highlights included in this month’s newsletter are our 2023 Benefits Tips and Reminders, the importance of positive self-talk, and tax breaks for the giving season. We also share promotions, events, reminders, and opportunities to connect 1:1 with our benefit vendor partners.
If you have questions about any of the benefits featured in GWell or other benefits programs, please contact us at benefits@gwu.edu. We wish you a wonderful holiday season and winter break ahead!
Be Well,
GW Benefits
Human Resource Management and Development
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Benefits Tips and Reminders for the New Year
The 2023 Benefits Tips and Reminders PDF is now available to help you start the new year with the most updated benefits information. This document provides step-by-step instructions for how to begin using your newly elected benefits for 2023 such as how to access your medical ID cards, how to contact our benefits’ vendor partners, how to create online accounts with vendor partners, and how to fill a prescription if you have yet to receive your ID card. You’ll also learn about important FSA deadlines and more! As you take some time to review the information provided, remember that you can always contact us in benefits for assistance with any questions regarding your 2023 benefit elections.
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| Positive Self-Talk Swap
Your inner monologue could be contributing to your stress levels. If your self-talk is generally negative, you may be perceiving life events as more stressful than they need to be and contribute to worry and anxiety.
Try using this Headspace handout to reflect on how you’ve talked to yourself in the past, how you talk to yourself now, and what you want your internal monologue to be in the future. If you find yourself using negative self-talk, try to swap it with something positive. You might be amazed at how much better you feel by practicing positive reframing of your internal monologue on a more consistent basis.
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| The Giving Season Tax Breaks
Are you planning to give to charities during the holidays? Looking for a way to potentially save on your taxes and make more of a difference? Consider giving a gift to GW or another organization that aligns with your values to achieve a greater sense of personal satisfaction and growth.
Your retirement plan providers also have some tips for you this giving season! Use Fidelity’s Smarter Giving Checklist, which includes ideas for how to supercharge your giving impact. Additionally, you can view TIAA’s recorded webinar, Tax Planning Considerations, that covers an overview of tax law changes and how it may impact your charitable gifting strategies.
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QLE Supporting Documentation Accepted During University Holidays
Here are two examples:
- An employee with a December 24 deadline to submit a marriage certificate to enroll their spouse in GW benefits, must still observe their deadline despite the university being closed.
- You or an eligible dependent lose coverage on December 31, 2022. Be sure to submit your supporting document on or before December 31, 2022 if you wish to have GW coverage effective January 1, 2023.
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Year-End Tip: Recieve Your Form W-2 Early
Get a jump-start on 2023 tax time. Visit GWeb to opt in for an electronic W-2 form and receive your form up to two weeks early.You can also confirm that your W-4 and Work Location addresses are up to date, the correct state tax is being withheld, and review your W-4 elections. Need help completing the W-4? Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator.
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Reminder: Tuition Remission Benefit Deadlines - Spring 2023
Applications for the Tuition Remission benefit for the upcoming Spring 2023 Semester will be accepted now through February 1, 2023 in GWeb.
If you are applying for tax exemption for employee graduate-level courses, certifications must be submitted by January 5, 2023.
If you have questions, please contact GW Benefits at tuition@gwu.edu or (571) 553-8382.
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Move More, Sit Less
This holiday season is a great time to take advantage of the Active Fit and Direct fitness deal! Being physically active for just a few minutes each day is key to healthy aging and can help you achieve the recommended amount of 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Plus, you can stay active from anywhere with the flexibility of 11,600+ gyms and 7,600+ workout videos available to you for just $25 a month through the end of the year! Watch this video to learn more and use code: ACTIVATE to get started with Active Fit and Direct today!
*Disclaimer: $25 enrollment fee waived for standard fitness centers only 10/1/22 12:01 a.m. - 12/31/22 11:59 p.m. PT. Plus applicable taxes for standard fitness centers. Costs for premium exercise studios exceed $25/mo. and an enrollment fee will apply for each premium location selected, plus applicable taxes. Fees vary based on premium fitness studios selected. Add a spouse/domestic partner to a primary membership for additional monthly fees. Spouses/domestic partners must be 18 years or older. Fees may vary based on fitness center selection.
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Relax and Rejuvenate - Free Employee Seated Massages!
Faculty and staff can enjoy free seated massages at Foggy Bottom and Virginia Science and Technology campuses this holiday season!
Foggy Bottom - University Student Center
December 21, 2022
VSTC - Enterprise Hall
December 20, 2022
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| December 20 at 2:30pm ET
It's Holiday Time Already?
The holidays are painted as cheerful and relaxing. So, why do we get so stressed? Let’s look at what contributes to our stress and learn ways to reduce this level and truly enjoy those special occasions. Participants joining this webinar will learn tips to address and manage the stress of the holidays as well as find ways to make the holidays more enjoyable.
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| On Demand
Teaching Kids About Kindness, Empathy, and Being a Good Citizen
Raising kind humans means encouraging empathy and good citizenship — and it all starts in the early years. Find out how to manage your expectations, boost kindness, and inspire your child to care for their community and environment.
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| Monthly Benefits Vendors' Meetings...
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1:1 UnitedHealthcare Meetings
Meet with GW’s UnitedHealthcare representative, Jessica Wachter, to review outstanding claims and/or ask questions about your medical coverage.
Meetings can 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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1:1 Virtual Retirement Counseling
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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