open enrollment guide for COBRA participants

 The 2025 Open Enrollment that began October 7, 2024 and ended on October 25, 2024 at 8pm (ET) is now closed.

You are viewing the 2025 open enrollment information for COBRA participants.

Comparing the Medical Plans

Comparing the Medical Plans

For more details about your coverage options, read the Comparing Medical Plans chart, which follows.

Percentages in the accompanying chart represent the percentages of allowed benefit covered by the plan (GW) as well as the participant responsibility.

Note: The GW medical plan offerings use the UHC Choice Plus network.

Note: The GW medical plan offerings use the UHC Choice Plus network.GW HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN (HSP)GW PPO
MFA Provider In-NetworkOut-of-NetworkMFA Provider In-NetworkOut-of-Network
Deductible
Individual $2,000$3,000 $750$2,000
Family $4,000††$6,000†† $1,500$4,000
Out-of-Pocket Maximum (OOPM)†††
Individual $4,000$6,000 $3,000$6,000
Family $8,000$12,000 $6,000$12,000
Coinsurance
 GW -  90%, Employee - 10%GW -80%
Participant - 20%
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
 GW -80%
Participant - 20%
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
Lifetime Maximum
  Unlimited Unlimited
Office Visit
Primary Care Physician (PCP)After deductible: GW -  90%, Employee - 10%After deductible:
GW -80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
$10 copay$30 copayAfter deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
SpecialistAfter deductible: GW -  90%, Employee - 10%After deductible:
GW -80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
$25 copay$50 copayAfter deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
Virtual Visits*
  After deductible: GW -  80%, Employee - 20%  $10 copay 
Telehealth Visits**
 After deductible: GW -  90%, Employee - 10%After deductible: GW -  80%, Employee - 20%After deductible: GW -  60%, Employee - 40%$10 copay$30 copayAfter deductible: GW - 60%  Employee: 40%
Imaging and Labs†††† LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics will be GW's preferred vendors for lab work.
Diagnostic Test
(x-ray, bloodwork)
 PreferredNon-Preferred PreferredNon-Preferred
 After deductible:
GW -80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
 After deductible:
GW -80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
Imaging
(CT/PET scans, MRIs)
 After deductible:
GW -80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
 After deductible:
GW -80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%

*Virtual visits are those provided by a UHC Designated Virtual Visit Providers (i.e. Teladoc, Doctor on Demand, Amwell.)

**Telehealth Visits include medical and behavioral health care and are provided via phone or video by Primary Care Providers and Medical or Behavioral Health specialists.  Copay or deductible/coinsurance apply.   

† The MFA tier applies to professional charges by MFA providers; MFA behavioral health providers continue to be out-of-network.

†† For family coverage, no one in the family is eligible for the coinsurance benefit until the family coverage deductible is met.

††† Under Healthcare Reform all plans must have an out-of-pocket maximum. In addition deductibles, copays and coinsurance must apply to the OOPM. (Only allowed charges will count towards the OOPM for out-of-network benefits).

†††† Preferred Network = in-network freestanding facilities and GW hospital; Non-Preferred Network = in-network hospitals (other than GW Hospital) or out-of-network freestanding facilities or hospitals. (In or out-of-network deductible applies as appropriate).

 


 GW HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN (HSP)GW PPO
 In-NetworkOut-of-NetworkIn-NetworkOut-of-Network
Hospital Care
InpatientAfter deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
After deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
OutpatientAfter deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
After deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
Urgent CareAfter deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
$30 copayAfter deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
Emergency RoomAfter deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
Preventive
Mammography* 100% for one preventive mammogram per year, age 40 and over
Pap Test*GW covers 100% if part of wellness examAfter deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
GW covers 100% if part of wellness examAfter deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
Prostate Exam*GW covers 100% if part of wellness examAfter deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
GW covers 100% if part of wellness examAfter deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
Well Child and Well Adult Exams*GW covers 100%After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
GW covers 100% if part of wellness examAfter deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
 CoveredCoveredCoveredCovered
Chiropractic Care
 After deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
up to 60 visits per year (combined in-and out-of-network)
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
up to 60 visits per year (combined in-and out-of-network)
$50 copay per office visit, up to 60 visits per year (combined in-and out-of-network)After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
up to 60 visits per year (combined in-and out-of-network)
Acupuncture
 After deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
up to 20 visits per year (combined in-and out-of-network)
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
up to 20 visits per year (combined in-and out-of-network)
$50 copay per office visit, up to 20 visits per year (combined in-and out-of-network)After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
up to 20 visits per year (combined in-and out-of-network)
Fertility Benefits
 Not CoveredNot CoveredCovered through ProgynyNot Covered
Breast Reduction Surgery**
 Not CoveredNot CoveredCoveredCovered
Hearing Aids***
 Not CoveredNot CoveredAfter deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%

* Preventive care guidelines are based on recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and other health organizations. Visit myuhc.com for additional details on ALL preventive care guidelines based on your age and sex.

**Covered when considered medically necessary - Please see GW PPO SPD for criteria. Note:  Depending upon where the Covered Health Service is provided, Benefits will be the same as those stated under each covered Health Service category in this Benefit Summary. For example, for services provided in the Physician’s Office, a Copayment will apply to the office visit.  All other services would be deductible and then co-insurance.

*** Up to a single purchase (including repair/replacement) per hearing impaired ear every 36 months.

 


 GW HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN (HSP)GW PPO
 In-NetworkOut-of-NetworkIn-NetworkOut-of-Network
Cochlear Implants
InpatientNot CoveredNot CoveredCoveredNot Covered
Bariatric Surgery*
 Not CoveredNot CoveredUp to $60,000 lifetime limitNot Covered
Vision

Up to one routine exam every 24 months

Note: Materials are NOT covered

After deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
$30 copayAfter deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
Prescription Drug Deductible
 Included in overall plan deductible ($2,000 individual/$4,000 family)N/A
Prescription Out-of-Pocket Maximum
IndividualCombined with medical$3,600$7,200
FamilyCombined with medical$7,200$14,400
Preventive Drugs
 Covered at 100%Subject to co-insurance
Retail Prescription Drugs
GenericAfter deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
10% Coinsurance
(Minimum $15, Maximum $30)
30-day supply
Brand FormularyAfter deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
20% Coinsurance
(Minimum $30, Maximum $50)
30-day supply
Brand Non-FormularyAfter deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
25% Coinsurance
(Minimum $60, Maximum $100)
30-day supply
Specialty under
Brand Non-Formulary
After deductible:
30% for PrudentRx eligible specialty prescriptions filled at CVS Specialty, $0*** when enrolled in PrudentRx
30% for PrudentRx eligible specialty prescriptions filled at CVS Specialty, $0 when enrolled in PrudentRx 
Mail-Order Prescription Drugs**
Generic
Vacation Exception
Additional 30-day supply one time per year
After deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
10% Coinsurance
(Minimum $37.50, Maximum $75)
90-day supply
Brand Formulary
Vacation Exception
Additional 30-day supply one time per year
After deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
20% Coinsurance
(Minimum $75, Maximum $125)
90-day supply
Brand Non-Formulary
Vacation Exception
Additional 30-day supply one time per year
After deductible:
GW - 80%
Participant - 20%
After deductible:
GW - 60%
Participant - 40%
25% Coinsurance
(Minimum $150, Maximum $250)
90-day supply

* Notification is required six months prior to surgery. Please contact UHC for plan details.
** Mandatory Maintenance Choice with Opt Out provisions apply. Please see page 22 for more information
*** HSP participants must meet their combined medical/prescription deductible before the out-of-pocket cost will be $0.
Summaries of Benefits and Coverage (SBCs) provide additional plan coverage information - hr.gwu.edu/medical_benefits.
 

Medical Plan Programs

COBRA participants and their eligible dependents enrolled in a GW medical plan can participate in the programs listed below at no additional cost:

  • Real Appeal: An online weight loss program focused on making small changes for a healthier life. Includes online coach, 24/7 online support and mobile app.
     
  • UHC Virtual Visits: Virtual Visits will remain a health plan feature for 2025, allowing UHC members to connect with a doctor via mobile device or computer—24/7, no appointment needed. Get timely care, including diagnosis and prescription, and pay less out-of-pocket. To access a UnitedHealthcare Virtual Visit provider, log on to www.myuhc.com or download the UHC App.  Find instructions on how to access the additional virtual visit providers in the FAQ section on myuhc.com under related links for additional information.
     
  • Telemental Health: Telemental Health is available through your UHC medical benefit. The service uses secure, video-calling technology to provide real-time access to a behavioral health professional, and features a network of over 3,000 providers in all 50 states. Learn more or schedule a visit at myuhc.com.
     
  • Freestanding Imaging and Labs Preferred Network: A freestanding network facility performs outpatient services and submits claims separately from any hospital affiliation, and may be a lower cost option for certain medical services. For COBRA participants and their dependents enrolled in a GW medical plan, GW continues to offer a preferred network,* including a lower coinsurance, for usage of freestanding facilities in lieu of hospitals for lab tests, radiology services, major diagnostics and other services. LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics will continue to be GW’s preferred vendors for lab work.

*In-network freestanding facilities and GW Hospital.