Dear Colleagues,
The 2027 Open Enrollment Period for the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and NJ Tax$ave Program runs from October 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026. This is your opportunity to review and adjust your medical, prescription, dental, and pre-tax flexible spending account choices for the upcoming year. The deadline for making modifications is October 31, 2026, with changes becoming effective on January 1, 2027.
What's New for 2027?
- Centers of Excellence (COE) Pilot Program: The State Health Benefits Program is introducing a new Centers of Excellence (COE) Pilot Program for employees enrolled in PPO medical plans.
- PPO plan copayments for some surgical procedures will change as a result of the new COE Pilot Program.
- PPO plan participants will be required to contact Carrum Health (administrator of the Centers of Excellence Pilot Program)before scheduling certain outpatient surgical procedures.
- After consulting with Carrum Health, your out-of-pocket costs will be determined based upon the provider you choose.
- Additional information regarding the COE Pilot Program is currently available on our website, which will continue to be updated as we receive additional guidance from the SHBP.
- Increased Medical Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Contribution Limi: The Medical Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contribution limit will increase to $3,400. If the IRS announces a higher maximum for 2027, the SHBP will adopt the updated limit. We will update our website once the final IRS maximum contribution amount is released.
- Review Plan Costs and Coverage: Medical and dental plan premiums, copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and covered services may vary between available plans and are subject to increase each year. Reviewing your options during Open Enrollment can help ensure you choose the coverage that best fits your healthcare needs and budget for 2027.
Additional information, including SHBP Benefits Fairs, detailed plan changes, and finalized premium rates, will be posted on the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits (NJDPB) website as it becomes available.
Action Required
As Open Enrollment is the only opportunity to enroll in or make changes to your SHBP benefits for 2027 (unless you experience a qualifying life event), we strongly encourage all employees to review their current medical plan elections, particularly PPO participants who may be impacted by the new Centers of Excellence (COE) Pilot Program.
How to View and Make Changes to Your Elections
- Medical (including prescription) and Dental: To review or make changes to your medical, prescription, and dental plans, please use BenefitSolver, the State’s online Open Enrollment tool. You can log in or create an account through MyNewJersey. Should you have issues creating an account or logging in, please use the ‘Need Help” function on the Log In page. For assistance with the BenefitSolver tool, use the support feature within the application. Additional details are available on the NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits (NJDPB) website.
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Remember, your current FSA election will not automatically renew for 2027. If you would like to re-enroll, please visit HorizonBlue.com. If you are not currently enrolled, please visit the Flexible Spending Account section of the UHR Open Enrollment website for paper or phone enrollment instructions.
Open Enrollment Offerings
Be sure to visit our full schedule of webinars, open houses and vendor fairs ! We are looking forward to seeing you!
Open Enrollment Events
To assist you further, your University Human Resources benefits team will be hosting five (5) in- person Benefit Fairs, three (3) Open Houses, and two (2) live webinars throughout October.
The first webinar will be held on October 8.
Rutgers Occupational Health Free Flu Vaccines
Rutgers Occupational Health is also providing the opportunity to receive a flu vaccine at many of the Benefit Fairs. Visit the Rutgers Occupational Health Flu Vaccine webpage to view all offerings and to access forms, instructions, and reminders (bring your medical insurance ID card).
State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) 2027 SHBP Virtual Benefits Fair
The State Health Benefits Program will host the 2027 SHBP Virtual Benefits Fair throughout the Open Enrollment period. Employees may visit vendor booths, access benefit resources, and register for webinars hosted by Horizon and Aetna.
If you have any questions, please contact the OneSource Rutgers Faculty and Staff Service Center at 732-745-7378.
Sincerely,
Vivian Fernández<
Senior Vice President for Human Resource