Important Benefits Update: New Medical Plan Administrator for 2026
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As we welcome the start of the fall semester, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued dedication to our university community. This time of year offers an opportunity to reflect on the resources that support our personal and professional well-being. With Open Enrollment approaching in October, we encourage you to review your benefits to verify your coverage continues to meet the needs of you and your family in the year ahead.
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a benefits program that reflects your needs, values, and priorities, we are announcing an important change designed to enhance your health care experience.
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We are pleased to announce that beginning on January 1, 2026, Aetna will become the new administrator of GW's medical plans. This means Aetna will take over administration of our medical plan offerings (GW PPO and GW HSP), replacing our current provider, UnitedHealthcare.
There will be no changes to the medical plan designs or lapse in coverage—only the administrator is changing. The structure of the plans, including coverage levels, coinsurance, and copays, remains the same. The provider network, service experience, and support tools transition will be managed by Aetna beginning on January 1, 2026.
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Why This Change Is Happening
This change is the result of a comprehensive and competitive proposal process, where the university evaluated multiple health carriers, and we assessed each based on:
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The strength of their provider networks
- Their ability to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care
- Their commitment to exceptional member service
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This process included thoughtful engagement with the Benefits Advisory Committee (BAC), guided by our values of transparency and service excellence.
Equally as important, this decision reflects the feedback many of you shared through the recent Benefits Employee Survey, My Benefits at GW. Your input regarding service preferences, participant experience, and health care priorities played a key role in shaping this transition outcome. We believe that the change to Aetna is well-positioned to deliver a more responsive, supportive, and streamlined health care experience aligned with your expectations.
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What To Expect Next
We understand that changes to health care coverage may bring questions, and we are committed to supporting you throughout this transition. In the coming weeks, you’ll receive more detailed information about the move to Aetna, including a closer look at plan features, care management programs and services, and helpful resources to better understand how this change may affect you. In the meantime, we invite you to register for our upcoming webinar below to learn more.
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You're Invited: Discover The Aetna Healthcare Experience
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Join us for an engaging Discover the Aetna Healthcare Experience webinar hosted by Aetna on Wednesday, September 10, at 3 p.m. EDT to learn about how Aetna is improving your healthcare experience through comprehensive plan features, personalized care programs, improved customer service and support, and more.
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- Explore coverage options, network access and digital tools designed to simplify your care.
- Discover chronic condition support, mental health resources tailored to your needs.
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From streamlined claims processing to 24/7 virtual care, see how Aetna is making healthcare more accessible and responsive.
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Important UHC Network Provider Update
As communicated in letters from United Healthcare (UHC) direct to participants, contract renewal negotiations between UHC and Johns Hopkins Medicine were not successful in reaching an agreement by the set deadline. As a result, effective August 25, 2025, Johns Hopkins physicians, facilities and hospitals in Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. are now out of network and no longer a part of the United Healthcare national network.
The impact of this change in the provider network is significant. While the contract negotiations are between the insurance administrator and providers, GW has consistently advocated on behalf of our participants, emphasizing the importance of retaining Johns Hopkins in the UHC network.
UHC will be calling members directly to coordinate in network continuity of care for a very limited number of conditions. The UHC member microsite provides the most current negotiations status and member FAQs. Johns Hopkins Medicine has also provided updates on the negotiations and FAQs. Per Johns Hopkins: "We will continue to work with United and hope to resume in-network status as soon as possible..."
Please note: Johns Hopkins Medicine is currently contracted with Aetna as an in-network provider. This means that Johns Hopkins Medicine will be available again in-network when GW transitions to Aetna on January 1, 2026.
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We Are Here To Help
Please reach out to us Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. at benefits@gwu.edu or 571-553-8382 with questions or to discuss your benefits needs.
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We appreciate your attention to this important update and are here to assist you every step of the way.
Sincerely,
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Sabrina Minor
Vice President and Chief People Officer
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Jennifer Lopez
Associate Vice President, Total Rewards
GW Benefits I Human Resource Management and Development
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GW Benefits
44983 Knoll Square, Suite 391
Ashburn, VA 20147
Phone: 571-553-8382
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