open enrollment guide for post docs

 The 2026 Open Enrollment period begins on Monday, October 6, 2025 and ends on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET.

You are viewing the 2026 open enrollment information for Postdoc Associates and Scholars and their eligible dependents.

Well-Being Programs

As a GW Postdoc, you have access to a number of different resources and tools that make it easier to maximize your health and well-being. Explore the well-being programs below that span across the 4 dimensions - physical, financial, emotional and social.

Life Made Easier.

GW offers Bright Horizons Enhanced Family Supports™ for our family care benefit that includes:

  • Expanded in-center back-up care at Bright Horizons centers*.
  • In-home care for children and adults through Bright Horizons.
  • An Elder Care program to assist you in developing care plans for aging relatives.
  • A Sittercity membership at no cost.
  • Assistance with full-time nanny placement for a discounted cost.

*Each benefit eligible employee is provided up to 10 days of back up care per calendar year.
 

Headspace, the mindfulness app, is available at no cost to Postdoc Associates and Scholars. The app offers meditation, sleep, exercises and kids programs. Please visit Headspace to sign up today!

  • Sign up using your computer or device, such as a tablet or iPhone. To use on a tablet or phone, the Headspace app will need to be downloaded first. Only your @gwu.edu email address can be used to sign up.
     

The healthcare system can be tricky to navigate. As a GW Postdoc, you are automatically enrolled in Health Advocate at no cost regardless of whether you are on a GW medical plan. With your health advocate, resolve claim questions or issues,schedule appointments, receive clinical advice, and more. Health Advocate calls are unlimited, available 24/7, and are completely confidential. Call (866) 695-8622 or visit healthadvocate.com/gwu to get connected to an advocate.
 

GW benefit-eligible faculty and staff are eligible for a discounted Capital Bikeshare annual membership of only $25 (regularly $95). Enjoy all the perks of Capital Bikeshare membership for less than 50 cents a week! For details and to receive your discount code please complete this Capital Bikeshare Discount Code Form.  For questions regarding your form or your discount code, contact benefitsatgwu [dot] edu (benefits[at]gwu[dot]edu)

 

 

You are not required to be enrolled in a GW sponsored medical plan to have access or participate in any of these programs.