Post Docs: Comparing the Medical Plans | Open Enrollment Guide

PPO Medical Plan

All GW Postdoc Associates, Scholars, and their eligible dependents are able to enroll in the GW Postdoc PPO.

	In-Network	Out-of-Network
Core Benefits	Postdoc Pays	Postdoc Pays
Deductible Single / Family	$300 / $900	$800 / $2,400
Out of Pocket Maximums Single / Family	$2,500 / $7,500	$3,000 / $9,000
Office Visit/Specialist Visit	$30/$40 Copay	40%* after deductible
Virtual Visits	No Copay	Not Covered
Annual Wellness Visit	No Copay	40% after deductible*
Inpatient Hospital	20% after deductible*	40% after deductible*
Outpatient Surgery	20% after deductible*	40% after deductible*
Emergency Room	$150 copay
Urgent Care	$30 copay	40%* after deductible
Rx**	$10 Tier 1
	$30 Tier 2
	$50 Tier 3

*After deductible has been met
**Pharmacy Benefits through Aetna Pharmacy

Medical Plan Well-Being Programs

Postdoc Associates, Scholars and their eligible dependents enrolled in the GW Postdoc PPO 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.
Aetna One Choice: A clinical support program for chronic condition diagnoses, including cancer. Aetna is here to help. Their clinical team will work with you to get the treatment, care and support that you and your family need.
Aetna Tobacco Cessation Program: This program can help you say goodbye to tobacco or nicotine. Your wellness coach will be there for you at every step. Together you’ll:
- Work on proven ways to quit
- Spot and manage your triggers for tobacco and nicotine use
- Find healthy ways to replace the feeling you get from nicotine
- Sign in a Aetna.com; Call Aetna Tobacco Cessation line at 1-866-533-1410 (TTY: 711)
Skip the waiting room with CVS Health Virtual Visits, available through your Aetna medical plan.
Gain convenient access to a doctor from a mobile device or computer. During a Virtual Visit, a healthcare provider can diagnose and treat a wide range of non-emergency conditions as well as write prescriptions (if needed), which you may subsequently pick up at your local pharmacy.

GW employees covered by a University medical plan can continue to receive preventive services at no cost—just be sure to go in-network.

Aetna Enhanced Maternity Management Program: If you are pregnant and covered under a GW health plan, you are eligible (and encouraged) to participate in the Aetna Maternity Management Program at no cost. The Aetna Enhanced Maternity Program supports all members regardless of risk level throughout their entire maternity journey. Program components include Obstetrical-experienced nurse care management for members with conditions that place them at risk for unfavorable outcomes, mental health support including referral to AbleTo (stress, depression, postpartum and anxiety support) and other plan BH benefits, Behavioral Health Specialist support for Women’s Health, Postpartum depression screening and support, Resources and educational materials through the Maternity Support Center on the Aetna secure member website.
AbleTo: Sometimes life can be overwhelming, leading to worry, stress and sadness. These are common feelings with major life changes or chronic pain. But help is just a phone call away. With the AbleTo program, you’ll get virtual, personalized support that can help you feel better. You’ll learn how to better manage your emotions and improve your overall health. And your mental and physical health can improve in as little as eight weeks. This program is already included in your Aetna membership. You may receive proactive outreach from the program, or you can visit AbleTo.com/Aetna or call 1-844-330-3648, Monday-Friday from 9:00am-8:00pm ET.
Telemental Health: Telemental Health is available through your Aetna medical benefit. The service uses secure, video-calling technology to provide real-time access to a behavioral health professional, and the Aetna behavioral health provider network features a network of over 500K providers in all 50 states. Learn more or schedule a visit at Aetna.com.
CVS Health Virtual Visits, provided through the Aetna medical plan: Virtual Visits will remain a health plan feature for 2026, allowing Aetna members to connect with a doctor via mobile device or computer—24/7. Get timely care, including diagnosis and prescription, and pay less out-of-pocket. To access a CVS Health Virtual Visit provider, log on to www.aetna.com or download the Aetna Health App.

Please Note: Additional information on these programs can be found on the GW Benefits website.