FAQ - Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit

  1. Why is the audit being conducted?

    The NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits has secured Aon Consulting to review State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) records to ensure that only eligible dependents are covered under the SHBP.

  2. Which dependent types must be verified?

    All eligible dependent types (spouses, children, civil union partners, domestic partners, disabled dependents and continued coverage for overage children) must be verified to maintain coverage for these dependents.

  3. Do I have to do anything?

    If you are covering any dependents, you may receive a letter in the mail from Aon Consulting asking you to provide documentation to prove eligibility. If the state determines that proper documentation is on file, no action may be required.

  4. What is the deadline for submitting the required documentation?

    The deadline to submit documentation is August 21, 2009.

  5. I can’t find my required documentation or I have general questions. Who should I contact?

    You may contact the SHBP Dependent Eligibility Verification Service Center at 866-641-5651 and enter 8642 when prompted. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  6. What happens if I fail to respond to the Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit?

    The SHBP will have no choice but to terminate your dependent's coverage effective October 1, 2009 if you do not provide the required documentation to verify eligibility.

  7. Who is Aon Consulting?

    SHBP has retained Aon Consulting, a very reputable consulting company, to perform the Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit.

  8. I already submitted documentation for a change. Must I resend it?

    You will not have to resubmit any documentation unless requested by Aon Consulting.

  9. I am a new employee. Do I have to include documentation for my dependents?

    As of January 1, 2009, all new employees must provide the required documentation to prove eligibility. The Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit Chart describes what documentation is needed.

  10. I am making a change to my coverage. Do I have to attach anything?

    If you are adding dependents for coverage, proof of eligibility will be required. If the proper certifications are already on file, you may not have to resubmit documentation.

  11. Do I have to attach the Required Affidavit Signature Form with my documentation?

    Yes, you must return the Required Affidavit Signature Form along with your documentation for all dependents you are verifying.

  12. Is it safe to send my documentation to the SHBP Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit Unit P.O. box?

    Yes. Sending your required documentation to the SHBP Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit Unit P.O. box is safe and is required in order to avoid your dependent from being terminated from coverage.

  13. What documentation is needed?

    The Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit Chart describes what documentation is needed for each dependent.

  14. What happens if I am covering someone who is not an eligible dependent?

    The audit is allowing an amnesty period during which employees/retirees will have the opportunity to voluntarily identify any ineligible dependents and therefore avoid any penalties or other legal action.

  15. What are the options for continuing coverage for ineligible dependents?

    Termination of an ineligible dependent who was not eligible for coverage is not considered a COBRA Qualifying Event.  In certain circumstances, where an eligible dependent became ineligible within the last 60 days, COBRA may be offered. Please contact the SHBP Dependent Eligibility Verification Service Center for clarification regarding possible continuation of coverage for such dependents.

  16. What happens to the copies of the requested documentation once it is received by the Division of Pensions and Benefits? Is my information safe?

    The copies are scanned into the State Health Benefits (SHBP) system and the electronic file or data is only available to authorized SHBP representatives. The copies are then shredded. The Division of Pensions and Benefits maintains a high level of confidentiality.

  17. If my spouse and I file our taxes separately, what tax documentation do we need to provide to the SHBP?

    You and your partner must provide the top half of each of your federal tax return.  You may black out any financial or confidential information on the federal tax return.

  18. Do I have to send original documentation?

    No. Do not send your original documentation to the SHBP Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit. Copies are all that is required.

  19. Do I have to submit documentation for my over-age dependent who is eligible for Chapter 375 and/or COBRA?

    Yes, you must send the required documentation to verify that he or she is eligible for Chapter 375 and/or COBRA.

  20. I am a retiree covering a dependent. Do I have to submit proper documentation?

    Yes. Anyone covering an eligible dependent must submit the required documentation.

  21. Should I contact the SHBP Dependent Eligibility Verification Service Center if I have not yet received a packet in the mail?

    Please do not contact the SHBP Dependent Eligibility Verification Service Center until you have received your packet.

  22. I have not received my packet. What should I do?

    Contact the SHBP Dependent Eligibility Verification Service Center at 866-641-5651 and enter 8642 when prompted. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  23. Where can I obtain additional information about the Dependant Eligibility Verification Audit?

    Contact the Division of Pensions and Benefits at 609-292-7524 or the SHBP Dependent Eligibility Verification Service Center at 866-641-5651.

  24. ¿Por qué se está conduciendo la intervención?

    La Division de Pensiones y Beneficios de New Jersey ha contratado a Aon Consulting para revisar los expedientes del Programa de Beneficios de Salud Estatal (SHBP) para asegurar que solamente dependientes elegibles esten cubiertos bajo el SHBP.  Si la documentación requerida no es proveida en el tiempo determinado, se terminará al dependiente de su cobertura.  Usted puede ponerse en contacto con el Centro de Servicios Para la Verificación de Elegibilidad de Dependientes del SHBP al 1-866-641-5651, marque el 8642 cuando está incitado.  Hay representantes de habla hispana disponibles de lunes a viernes, de 8:00 am a 6:00 pm.

 

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