Every healthcare provider visit or medical treatment presents you with choices and responsibilities. Sometimes the right choice isn’t so clear. With February being Heart Health month as well as National Wise Health Care Consumer Month, it is an ideal time to focus on healthy habits starting with educating yourself as your own health care advocate.

People feel more empowered when they have information to guide them in making smart choices. We find ourselves researching the best products and practices when making just about every other purchase in our lives, so why should health care be any different?

As you encounter the many resources and tips being shared with you to be heart smart this month, we encourage you to  understand your plan and ask questions so you can be confident in making decisions around your personal health now and into the future.

Throughout the month of February, GW celebrates Black heritage showcasing the rich history, culture and accomplishments of the Black community. This year, our Benefit vendor partners also share tips, resources, and hold events to foster community and inclusion. 

This Black History Month, Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche  joins Fidelity representatives to talk about what it takes to build wealth now and in the future. During this webinar, Tiffany will talk about recognizing your money influences and habits, maximizing your money during times of inflation, and building wealth now and in the future. Register for the upcoming webinar on February 15 at 2 pm ET. Find additional insights at Fidelity.com/BlackWealth. Get tools, resources, and strategies to help you build generational wealth.

The GW 403(b) retirement plan allows you to save for retirement through payroll deductions. With the 403(b) plan, there are distinct tax implications to consider and you have the ability to choose to make pre-tax or post-tax contributions (Roth) or both. So which option is right for you?

We invite you to join us at an upcoming webinar on February 20 at 12pm ET to hear more about the pros and cons of pre-tax and post-tax strategies as well as to understand the criteria for making the best decision for your financial plan whether that be paying taxes now or paying later.

For additional information in determining which option is right for you, please see the Fidelity and TIAA resources listed below or schedule a 1:1 appointment.

• After-tax Roth vs pre-tax plan contributions (TIAA)
• Roth vs. Regular 403(b) FAQs (Fidelity)
• Traditional or Roth account? 2 tips to help you choose (Fidelity)
• The Roth contribution option – Another way to save for retirement (TIAA)

Shop, mingle, and celebrate the grand re-opening of the GW bookstore at its new location (2125 Eye Street NW, Washington DC). Employees who present their GWorld card at the in-store check-out counter can receive a discount of 10 percent off* on gifts, clothing and supplies. 

*Exclusions Apply: The discount is not valid on electronics (headphones, speakers, computers, etc.), textbooks, or with any other coupons or store promotions.

1095-Cs are now accessible online* via the Benefits Enrollment System. This tax document reports information about your medical coverage in 2023. While you will not need to include your 1095-C with your 2023 tax return filing, or send it to the IRS, you may need information from your 1095-C to help complete your tax return. Think of it as your “proof of medical insurance” for the IRS.

Who receives a Form 1095-C?

Any GW employee who was considered full-time at any point in 2023 or who was enrolled in a GW medical plan in 2023. The Affordable Care Act defines “full-time” as an employee who worked an average of 30 or more hours per week.

There are three parts to the form:

• Part 1 reports information about you and GW.
• Part 2 reports information about the coverage offered to you by GW, the affordability of the coverage offered, and the reason why you were or were not offered coverage.
• Part 3 reports information about the individuals (including dependents) covered under the self-insured plan.

For more information about the Form 1095-C, please visit irs.gov.

*Please note: If you did not complete your consent to receive your 1095-C electronically only via the Benefits Enrollment System, you will also receive a copy of your 1095-C via regular mail on or before March 1, 2024. 

GW is introducing a new vacation time policy, effective July 1, 2024. Visit go.gwu.edu/2024vacationtime for more details. You can also watch a recording of our latest webinar and view the materials presented via the links below. Please contact the Benefits office at timeoff@gwu.edu with questions regarding the new vacation time policy.

• Vacation Time Information Session Recording
• Vacation Time Information Session Presentation Slides (PDF)

UnitedHealthcare Meetings

Meet virtually with GW’s UnitedHealthcare representative, Jessica Wachter, to review outstanding claims and/or ask questions about your medical or vision coverage. She will reach out prior to your appointment to confirm your meeting time together.

Schedule an appointment here.

TIAA & Fidelity Retirement Counseling

Retirement plan participants can schedule financial counseling by appointment with TIAA or Fidelity. To book an appointment, call your preferred provider or use 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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