What's Changing for 2027 | Open Enrollment Guide | The George Washington University

Vendor Change: MetLife as GW's Life, Disability, and Leave Administrator

Beginning January 1, 2027, GW will transition from Lincoln Financial to MetLife for Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, and Leave Administration programs.

This change follows a comprehensive review process focused on enhancing the employee experience while maintaining affordability. There will be no changes to plan designs or employee contributions as a result of this transition. GW will work closely with MetLife in the coming months to help ensure a smooth transition.

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

If you do not make any changes to your Life, AD&D or disability benefits during Open Enrollment your current benefit elections will automatically transition to MetLife effective January 1, 2027.

2027 Medical Plan and Contribution Overview

The Postdoc Medical Plan contributions will increase 9.8% in 2027. The monthly full-time Postdoc contribution increase will range from approximately $11 to $57, depending on your coverage level and salary band.

Navigating Healthcare Costs Together: While medical and prescription costs continue to rise, GW remains committed to offering health benefits that deliver value to you and your families through competitive coverage, quality care, and support. As we anticipate continued upward pressure on healthcare costs, we encourage you to:

Use in-network providers to take advantage of lower negotiated rates
Choose generic prescriptions when available to reduce pharmacy costs
Leverage preventive care, which is covered at 100% in-network
Take advantage of well-being programs that support your physical and mental health

Important Reminder for Postdoc Scholars: Under IRS regulations, the value of GW-provided benefits for Postdoc Scholars and their eligible dependents is considered taxable income to the Scholar and will be reported as required under applicable federal, state, and local tax laws. You will be responsible for paying any resulting tax liability. This will be reported annually on your 1099.

Tip! Want to check if your preferred provider is in-network with Aetna?

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 "Managed Choice® POS (Open Access)” as your plan and click "Continue".

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

*If by chance, a preferred doctor is not in Aetna’s network, please reach out to GW Benefits. Although in network status is not guaranteed, Aetna’s network team will reach out to the provider to explore network status.

2027 Pharmacy Overview

As a reminder, when you elect the GW Postdoc PPO, your accompanying prescription drug coverage, also provided by Aetna, will include the following programs/features:

Maintenance Choice with Opt-Out: This program allows members to fill 90-day supplies of long-term (maintenance) medications at the lowest cost either by mail or via an in-network participating pharmacy including CVS Pharmacy. This program is mandatory for all 90-day fills unless the member opts out.
Choose Generics Program: This program encourages members to use generic medications instead of brand-name drugs when available. Generics contain the same active ingredients, strength, and dosage as their brand-name counterparts but typically cost significantly less. Note: If you do choose the brand name drug when a generic equivalent is available, you will be responsible for both the generic drug copay and the the difference in cost between the brand and generic drug.
Specialty medications: Specialty medications must be filled through an Aetna in-network specialty pharmacy. Learn More Here: Specialty Pharmacy

2027 Dental Contribution Overview

Dental premiums for all GW dental plans are increasing for 2027. As a result, postdoc contributions will increase for all dental plan options and coverage tiers. Monthly increases will range from approximately $1 to $2 for the DMO, $2 to $5 for the Low PPO, and $3 to $8 for the High PPO, depending on coverage tier. GW will continue to offer the DMO, Low PPO, and High PPO plans through Aetna, with no changes to plan design or coverage for 2027.