Late last year, the State awarded new contracts in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) for the healthcare insurance providers to Aetna and Horizon. The New Jersey Division of Pension and Benefits (NJDPB) will be holding a special Open Enrollment period to allow active SHBP employees the option of switching from their current Horizon plan to a new Aetna plan or remaining enrolled in their current Horizon plan. The available Horizon plans remain the same. We previously shared this information after the February Plan Design Committee meeting.
This special Open Enrollment will begin on April 1, 2024, and conclude on April 30, 2024. Plan changes will take effect on July 1, 2024, for all other employees. The addition of dependents or changes to dental plans will not be permitted. Enrollment is limited to current SHBP/SEHBP enrollees; employees who have previously waived coverage will not be able to enroll at this time. Employees opting out of a High Deductible plan may keep their Health Savings Account. The funds may be used for future medical expenses. However, once opting out they will be enrolled in a Medical Flexible Savings Account only during the next annual Open Enrollment, unless there is a change in status.
The NJDPB is holding special open enrollment webinars in April for local government members.
Aetna is hosting webinars at:
- March 21 at 10 a.m.
- March 26 at 3 p.m.
- April 3 at noon
- April 9 at 10 a.m.
- April 10 at 7:00 p.m.
- April 17 at 10 a.m.
- April 23 at 1 p.m.
Horizon is hosting webinars at:
- March 22 at noon
- March 25 at 10 a.m.
- March 27 at noon
- April 2 at noon
- April 4 at 10 a.m.
- April 8 at 10 a.m.
- April 11 at noon
Please share this information with your employees.
Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.