open enrollment guide for faculty and staff

 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 GW Full and Part-Time Faculty and Staff in benefits-eligible positions and their eligible dependents.

Vision Coverage Options

Caring for your eyes and keeping your eyesight healthy will benefit you in all aspects of life. All GW faculty and staff are eligible to choose from two voluntary vision plan options.

The GW vision plans are "stand-alone" plans, so you can enroll in vision coverage whether or not you have medical coverage through GW.

Take a look at the table to evaluate which of the options may be right for you.

   Did You Know?

Nearly 1 out of every 2 adults experiences at least one chronic condition, many of which an eye exam can help diagnose.

Getting an eye exam plays a critical role in your overall health!

Learn more about the vision options available: hr.gwu.edu/vision-benefits.

 


UnitedHealthcare Voluntary Vision Plan Options: Basic Plan vs. Enhanced Plan

GW offers a choice of two voluntary vision plans through UnitedHealthcare: Basic and Enhanced.

 BasicEnhanced
Copays for In-Network Services
Exam$0$0
Materials$20$20
Benefit Frequency
Comprehensive ExamOnce every 12 monthsOnce every 12 months
Spectacle LensesOnce every 12 monthsOnce every 12 months
FramesOnce every 24 monthsOnce every 12 months
Contact Lenses in Lieu of Eye GlassesOnce every 12 monthsOnce every 12 months
Frame Benefit
Private Practice Provider$130$150
Retail Chain Provider$130$150
Lens Options
For both the Basic and Enhanced plans, standard scratch-resistant coating lenses are covered in full. (Discount varies by provider.) The Enhanced Plan covers the following additional lens options in full: standard progressive lenses, standard anti-reflective coating, polycarbonate lenses, ultraviolet coating, glass coating and tints.
Contact Lens Benefit
Elective contact lenses: fitting/evaluation fees, contact lenses and up to two follow-up visits are covered in full (after copay). If you choose disposable contacts: under the Basic plan, up to four boxes are covered when obtained from a network provider; under the Enhanced plan, up to six boxes are covered.
Laser Vision Benefit
UnitedHealthcare Vision has partnered with the QualSight LASIK to provide members with access to discounted laser vision correction procedures. Members receive up to 35% off national pricing.   To learn more about laser vision correction, and to find a network surgeon, visit uhc.qualsight.com or call 1-855-321-2020.

In-network, covered-in-full benefits (after applicable copay) include:

  • a comprehensive exam
  • eye glasses with standard single vision
  • lined bifocal or lined trifocal lenses
  • scratch-resistant coating and frame or contact lenses in lieu of eye glasses
     
 

   Tip: Claims
Out-of-network benefits are available with fixed reimbursement directly to you after submission of a legible, detailed, paid-in-full receipt. (Please be sure to include your ID number, name, home address and patient’s name and date of birth with claim submission.)

    Note: 
You will incur less out-of-pocket expense if you see an in-network vision provider. To find an in-network vision provider, please visit myuhcvision.com.