2024 Open Enrollment Period: October 9 - 27, 2023
Dental Coverage Options
Retirees are eligible to choose from three voluntary dental plan options.
The GW dental plans are "stand-alone" plans, so you can enroll in dental coverage whether or not you have medical coverage through GW.
Aetna Dental PPO Plans — High and Low Options
GW offers a choice of three voluntary dental plans through Aetna: High PPO, Low PPO and DMO. As with any PPO plan, the Aetna Dental PPO plans are designed to provide you with a greater level of coverage for using service providers within the Aetna network. Some coverage is available for providers outside the Aetna network; however, any services you receive from an out-of-network provider will be paid only at the “Reasonable and Customary” amount.
The High Option provides you with a greater level of coverage, and therefore carries a higher premium. The Low Option provides you with preventive and basic coverage and has a lower premium.
Percentages in the accompanying chart represent the percentages of the negotiated amounts (in-network) and Reasonable and Customary amounts (out-of-network) covered by the plan. Reasonable and Customary: Dental providers who participate in the Aetna network have agreed to accept a standard level of payment for their services. This is called the "Negotiated" amount. Providers who are not in the network may charge more than the "Reasonable and Customary" amount, however, and your coverage will not pay more than that amount. You will be responsible for the difference.
| High Option Dental PPO | Low Option Dental PPO | |||
| In-Network | Out-of-Network | In-Network | Out-of-Network | |
| Annual Deductible (Individual) |
$50 | $50 | $50 | $50 |
| Annual Deductible (per Family) |
$50 (max 3 per family) |
$50 (max 3 per family) |
$50 (max 3 per family) |
$50 (max 3 per family) |
| Annual Maximum Coverage* (per person per year combined in- and out-of-network) |
$1,500 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
|
Preventive Care** |
100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Basic Care** silver/composite fillings, root canals, stainless steel crowns, some extractions, some oral surgery, general anesthesia, etc. |
90% | 80% | 80% | 70% |
|
Major Care** |
50% | 50% | Not Covered | Not Covered |
| Orthodontia (Adult and Children combined in- and out-of-network) |
50% |
50% (lifetime max $1,500) |
Not Covered | Not Covered |
* Under the Aetna High PPO or Aetna Low PPO plans, preventive care services do not apply toward your annual maximum.
** Services shown are a partial list. For a complete list, see your Dental Plan Benefits Summary, available at hr.gwu.edu/dental-benefits.
*** Implants covered under the Aetna DMO and High PPO only.
Aetna Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO)
You also have the option of selecting coverage through the Aetna DMO, which provides benefits in a similar manner to an HMO medical plan.
You must elect a Primary Care Dentist (PCD) from within the Aetna DMO network to coordinate all your dental care.
To be effective on the first of the month, PCD selections must be received by Aetna by the 15th of the month prior. In order to schedule an appointment with your PCD, your name must appear on his or her monthly roster.
If your PCD believes you need to visit a dental specialist, he or she will refer you to a specialist in the DMO network.
The DMO does not provide coverage outside of the Aetna network. There is no deductible to meet under the DMO, nor is there an annual maximum coverage amount. Office visits require a $5 copay.
Orthodontic services are available for both adults and children and require a $2,300 copay.
The DMO Plan includes dental implant coverage. Read the DMO Plan Summary on the Benefits website for more information.
For more information, review the 2024 contribution rates for dental coverage.