FAQ - State Health Benefits for Part-time Employees

1. Who is eligible?
   
   Part-time employees who are members of a state-administered retirement plan
   
   
2. What coverage options are available?
   
   Health option - NJ DIRECT 15, administered by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ
   
   Drug option * - Prescription Drug Program administered by Caremark   
   
   * must enroll in NJ DIRECT 15 to participate in the prescription drug program
   
   
3. What are the 2010 Monthly Rates
   
   

Coverage Level	NJ DIRECT	Prescription Drug Program*
Single	$517.88	$142.16
Member and Spouse/Civil Union Partner/Same - Sex Domestic Partner	$1,165.21	$319.89
Family	$1,294.70	$355.42
Parent and Children	$725.04	$199.04

* Additional premium, available only with Medical Plan


4. Are payroll deductions available?
   
   No, the NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits will bill enrolled members on a monthly basis. Invoices will be mailed to the member’s home address.
   
   
5. How do eligible part-time employees enroll?
   
   Complete the Part-time Employees Group State Health Benefits Program Application. Return competed application to: Payroll Services, 65 Davidson Road, ASB room 317, Busch Campus. The Health Benefits Coverage for Part-Time Employees Fact Sheet provides additional information about the plan.
   
   
6. When can new employees enroll and when would coverage take effect?
   
   New employees may enroll immediately upon hire.
   
   Effective date of coverage:
   
   Academic year 10-month employees with September 1 hire date, effective date = September 1
   
   Calendar year 12-month employees, effective after a two-month waiting period
   (Example: August 15 hire date, October 15 effective date)
   
   
7. If I do not enroll when first eligible, when is the next opportunity to enroll?
   
   You may enroll during the next regular annual open enrollment period or within 30 days of a “HIPAA Event” (birth, marriage, loss of coverage through spouse, same same domestic or civil union partner, etc.).
   
   
8. I am a temporary part-time (type-4) employee and am not a member of a state-administered retirement plan. When can I enroll?
   
   You may be eligible to enroll in Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and State Health Benefits after working 12 consecutive months (or 10 consecutive months if you are an academic year employee).
   
   Contact University Human Resources at 732-932-3020, ext. 4077 to request enrollment materials.
   
   After confirming eligibility, University Human Resources will mail you a PERS Enrollment Application and Part-time Employees Group State Health Benefits Program Application. Return completed application(s) to Payroll Services, 65 Davidson Road, ASB Room 317, Busch Campus.
   
   
9. I am a newly hired part-time lecturer. When can I enroll?
   
   You may enroll as soon as you become eligible for enrollment in the in Alternate Benefit Program. To enroll in the SHBP plan for part-time employees, complete the following forms:
   
   
   • Part-time Employees Group State Health Benefits Program Application
   • ABP Enrollment Application ABP Investment Carrier Allocation
   • ABP Investment Carrier(s) Enrollment Application(s)

   Return completed forms to Payroll Services, 65 Davidson Road, ASB Room 317, Busch Campus. Contact University Human Resources at 732-932-3020, ext. 4077 for more information.
   

10. Is there a way to continue health insurance coverage after termination of employment?
    
    Yes, upon termination of employment you may continue coverage for up to 18 months by enrolling in COBRA. Contact University Human Resources at 732-932-3020, ext. 4077 to request a COBRA enrollment packet.
    
    
11. As a part-time employee, if I enroll in State Health Benefits, can I also enroll in a Flexible Spending Account?
    
    No, only full-time employees eligible for employer paid health benefits are eligible to enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts.
    
    
12. If I have a change in status from part-time to full-time employment, what is the procedure to continue health coverage? Will there be a waiting period for full-time health benefits?
    
    Complete a State Health Benefits Program Application. Return your completed application to: Payroll Services, 65 Davidson Road, ASB Room 317, Busch Campus.
    
    Coverage will be effective after a two-month waiting period from your full-time employment date.
    
    
13. Will I have the 60-day waiting period, if I was enrolled in the SHBP as a part-time employee with a previous employer?
    
    If your coverage is still in effect on the day that you begin work with your current state employer (COBRA coverage excluded), your coverage begins immediately.  You will not have the 60-day waiting period or any break in coverage.
    
    
14. If I am enrolled in State Health Benefits when I retire from my part-time position, will I be able to elect post-retirement health coverage?
    
    Yes, enrollment will be limited to NJ DIRECT 15. Retiree NJ DIRECT 15 coverage includes prescription drug coverage. You will be required to pay full group rates regardless of your amount of pension credited service. For more information, visit the Retiree website.

To submit a comment or to report any problems with this site, please email us. For questions about University Human Resources programs and services, please email our Operations Team.

© 2009 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. All rights reserved.

Last Updated: 11/13/2009