What's Changing for 2026

Vendor Change: Aetna as GW's Medical Plan Administrator for 2026

Beginning January 1, 2026, GW will partner with Aetna as the new administrator of GW's medical plan. This means Aetna will take over administration of our medical plan offering (GW LTD PPO), replacing our current provider, UnitedHealthcare. Note: Prescription drug coverage will continue to be provided through CVS Caremark.

There will be no changes to the medical plan design or lapse in coverage—only the administrator is changing. The plan design including deductibles, coinsurance, co-pays, out of pocket maximums, etc. remain the same. The provider network, service experience, and support tools will transition to be managed by Aetna.

Note: If you do not take action during open enrollment, your current medical election, i.e. GW LTD PPO will automatically roll forward.

As part of the transition to Aetna as our medical plan administrator in 2026, LTD recipients can expect several enhancements designed to improve the overall healthcare experience. These service improvements aim to make it easier for you to access care, navigate your benefits, and receive personalized support, while maintaining the quality and coverage you rely on.

Enhanced Member Support: Dedicated customer service line for GW plan participants, offering personalized assistance
Improved Digital Tools: Access to Aetna’s enhanced member portal and mobile app for easier navigation of benefits, claims, and provider searches
Expanded Provider Network: Broad national network that maintains access to most current providers while offering additional in-network options
Simplified Navigation: Streamlined coordination for claims, referrals, and pre-authorizations
Focused Health Resources and Communications: Access to timely wellness communications and care management programs tailored to chronic conditions, preventive care, and mental health support

For more information, please join us for an upcoming webinar with Aetna.

Tip! Want to check if your preferred provider is in-network before the transition?

Visit www.Aetna.com and follow these steps:

Click “Find a doctor” at the top of the page.
Under the “Don’t have a member account?”, Select “Plan from an Employer”.
Under "Continue as a Guest", Enter your ZIP code.
On the next screen, under "Select a Plan", scroll to “Aetna Open Access Plans" and select "Aetna Choice POS II (Open Access)” as your plan and click "Continue".

This will help you confirm whether your provider is part of Aetna’s network.

2026 Medical Contribution Overview

LTD recipients and their dependents under age 65 will see an increase of 6.5% in premiums for 2026. As noted above, GW will continue to offer the GW LTD PPO with CVS prescription coverage. There will be no changes in coverage.

Our Shared Responsibility

As we expect continued upward pressure on the cost of our medical plans, it's important to remember we all play a part in helping control costs.

Our medical plans are self-insured which means the university pays the claims. Aetna will process the claims from health providers for GW plan participants and their covered dependents.

Our premiums for the medical plans are based on our claims experience. High volume and / or high-cost claims in a year directly impact the premiums we pay as participants in the following year.

But you can help. When you get regular wellness visits and timely screenings, use in-network providers, and thoughtfully consider care, you generally incur less in claim costs, which has a direct impact on next year’s premiums.

2026 Dental Contribution Overview

Dental premiums for GW’s dental plans are increasing, and as a result contributions for dental coverage will increase for all three dental plan options. LTD recipient monthly contributions will increase 4% for the DMO; the Low PPO and High PPO will increase 6.8% monthly. The DMO, High PPO and Low PPO plans continue to be offered through Aetna and there will be no coverage or plan design changes for 2026.