November 2004

Open Enrollment Underway

GW’s traditional Fall Benefit Open Enrollment Period is underway and runs through Nov. 12. With limited exceptions, this is the only time faculty and staff may make changes to their benefits coverage for the 2005 plan year.

Otherwise, employees will keep their same plans with the exception of the Flexible Spending Accounts and CareFirst HMO.

There are several changes to the Benefit Plan this year.

• No increase to medical or dental deductions for 2005 unless the employee chooses a new option or coverage level.
• CareFirst HMO will be terminated effective Jan. 1. If employees currently participate in this option they must make a new selection. Otherwise employees will be placed in the CareFirst PPO Employee Only coverage.
• A new low option dental plan is being offered.
• A debit card is being added to the Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employees have the opportunity to purchase supplemental group term life insurance for themselves and their family. Employees who currently have individual term life policies will automatically be moved to the group policy unless a new selection is made.

Fall 2004 Benefit Open Enrollment information, including 2005 employee health and dental plan premiums, is available at Benefit Services by calling 994-9620 or visit the HRS Web site at http://www.gwu.edu/~hrs/
benefits/openenrollment.

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu