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?

    Part-time employees can elect one of the programs offered by the NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits.

    SHBP Health Plan Offerings

  3. What are the Monthly Rates?

    2012 rates

  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 completed application to:University Human Resources, 57 US Highway 1, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Campus mailing address: ASB II Cook 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?

    There is a two-month waiting period following the eligibility date before the part-time (SHBP) health benefits become effective. For example, if a part-time employee becomes eligible to enroll in a state retirement system on September 1 and the part-time employee has completed and submitted the Part-time Employees Health Benefits Program Application the part-time SHBP insurance coverage would be effective on November 1.

    If the part-time employee was enrolled in SHBP as a part-time employee with a previous state employer and the coverage is still active on the part-time employees’ date of hire with the current employer (COBRA coverage is excluded), the part-time SHBP health coverage is effective immediately without a break in coverage.

  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 domestic or civil union partner, etc.).

  8. I am a newly hired part-time lecturer. When can I enroll?

    There is a two-month waiting period following the eligibility date before the part-time (SHBP) health benefits become effective. For example, if a part-time employee becomes eligible to enroll in a state retirement system on September 1 and the part-time employee has completed and submitted the Part-time Employees Health Benefits Program Application the part-time SHBP insurance coverage would be effective on November 1.

    To enroll in the SHBP plan for part-time employees, complete the Part-time Employees Group State Health Benefits Program Application .

    Return completed form to University Human Resources-Benefits Enrollment, ASB II, Cook Campus. Contact University Human Resources at 848-932-3990 for more information.

  9. 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 848-932-3990 to request a COBRA enrollment packet.

  10. 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.

  11. 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: Benefits Enrollment 57 US Highway 1, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

    Coverage will be effective after a two-month waiting period from your full-time employment date.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.