Dear GW Community,
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to focus on your well-being, set goals, and embrace fresh opportunities. From supporting your mental health and financial wellness to staying active and exploring new reading adventures, GWell offers a variety of resources to help you thrive in 2026. Take advantage of mindfulness tools for stress management and habit-building, explore your financial wellness dashboards and the 2026 Financial Wellness Calendar, protect your body year-round with SimpleTherapy, join the Chapter Chasers Book Club, and stay informed about your benefits, including the new Aetna medical plan administration. Small steps today can set the stage for a healthier, balanced, and confident year ahead.
Don't forget to check out our upcoming events, reminders, and make the most of opportunities to connect 1:1 with our benefits vendor partners.
For questions about any of our benefits programs, please contact us at benefits@gwu.edu.
Be Well,
GW Benefits
Human Resource Management and Development
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Get to Know Your Benefits and Well-being Resources
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Navigate the New Year with Confidence |
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A new year often brings change, whether it’s establishing new routines, setting goals, or adjusting to evolving responsibilities. While transitions can be energizing, they can also feel overwhelming at times. Taking a moment to slow down and tune in to your personal needs can make these changes easier to manage.
Through your Headspace benefit, you have access to mental health tools and practical exercises designed to help you embrace change, manage stress, and build sustainable habits that support your well-being. Start the year by pausing with intention and taking small, meaningful steps toward clarity, balance, and resilience. Not signed up yet? Enroll now.
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A Fresh Start for Your Financial Well-Being |
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Financial wellness looks different for everyone, but the start of a new year is a great time to check in on your goals and build a plan that works for you. No matter where you are in your financial journey, there are resources available to support your progress.
Explore the 2026 Financial Wellness Calendar* for a year-round view of tools and learning opportunities. You can also visit the Fidelity Financial Wellness Dashboard* and the TIAA Financial Education Essentials dashboard to get a clear picture of your financial situation, along with personalized insights to help you understand your spending, plan for the future, and track progress toward your goals.
Take a few minutes this January to explore these resources and start the year with greater confidence in your financial well-being.
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*Please note: You may need to log in to Fidelity to access this resource.
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Protect Your Body All Year with SimpleTherapy |
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Kickoff the new year with simple steps to prevent pain and support how you move, feel, and live, not just in January, but all year long. SimpleTherapy** makes it easier to stay proactive about your musculoskeletal (MSK) health with personalized exercises and stretches to help reduce aches, improve mobility, and protect your daily routine. Activate your account to get started!
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**Please note: SimpleTherapy is included at no cost to those enrolled in a GW medical plan.
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New Year, New Reading Goals |
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Welcome the new year with a new book! The GWell Chapter Chasers Book Club is gearing up for our next book, Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully by Elaine Lin Hering. All faculty and staff are invited to join us for the first 2026 reading period that runs through March 6. It’s a fantastic opportunity to dive into a new story, improve your overall well-being and share your insights with fellow GW colleagues!
Interested in joining? Sign up!
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Reminder: Medical Plan Administrator Transition and Resources |
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Effective January 1, GW transitioned medical plan administration for the GW PPO and GW Health Savings Plan from UnitedHealthcare to Aetna. To help ensure uninterrupted access to care and services, please take a few moments to complete the steps below:
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Register or log in at Aetna.com to access your digital ID cards, benefits information, claims, and care tools.
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Use your new Aetna ID cards when scheduling appointments, visiting providers, or filling prescriptions.
- Update your insurance information with your health care providers to help ensure claims are processed correctly.
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Visit the Aetna Transition Microsite for FAQs, transition-of-care guidance, support resources, and additional details to help you navigate the change.
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Stay up‑to‑date on your 2026 Benefits and Well‑being Offerings
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Review the latest benefits resources to maximize your 2026 benefits and well-being:
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Don't Miss These Upcoming Events
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Mark Your Calendar and Check Back Often!
Did you know that we have a GW Benefits events webpage? Be sure to check it out throughout the month as additional opportunities will be added.
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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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Complimentary Massage Opportunities
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Faculty and staff can enjoy free seated massages at Foggy Bottom and Virginia Science and Technology campuses on a first come, first served basis. We would like to accommodate as many colleagues as possible, so if you have already received a seated massage in the last few months, we ask that slots for the dates below be reserved for colleagues who have not yet received one. Thanks for your consideration!
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GW Benefits
44983 Knoll Square, Suite 391
Ashburn, VA 20147
Phone: (571) 553-8382
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44983 Knoll Square Suite 391 | Ashburn, VA 20147 US
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