The State Health Benefits Open Enrollment Period began on October 1 and closes on October 31, 2024.
SHBP 2025 Dental Plan Updates
Effective January 1, 2025, a new dental contract has been awarded to Aetna and Horizon. There will be one Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO) plan, the Aetna DMO, and two Dental Expense Plans (DEP), the Aetna DEP and the Horizon DEP.
The plans with CIGNA DHMO, Horizon Dental Choice, and MetLife DPO are discontinued and enrollees will automatically be moved to the Aetna DMO plan in Benefitsolver before the Open Enrollment period begins. This change should already be reflected in Benefitsolver during Open Enrollment. If no action is taken, then this plan change will become effective on January 1, 2025, for enrollees in the Local Government Employee Group.
Enrollees will have the opportunity to change dental plans during the annual Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 1 through October 31, 2024. Normally, members are required to stay in a dental plan for at least 12 months, but this year, the “12-month rule” will be temporarily suppressed, allowing you to select a new dental plan even if you have not yet reached the 12-month mark.
The Employee Dental Plan Rates for Local Government Participating Employers have not been posted on the Division website.
Optum Tools
Optum services include a Drug Pricing Tool, Network Pharmacy Locator, and a covered Prescription drug list for members in the Local Government Employee Group.
Plan Comparisons and Health Care Premium Contribution Calculator
Local government enrollees are able to review the Overview of medical plans for Horizon and Aetna, compare side-by-side medical plan benefits, and compare side-by-side prescription plans. The summary of benefits and coverage as well as the Calculate Your Costs for Horizon and Aetna are not yet live on the Division website.
State Webinars
Throughout October, the Division of Pensions and Benefits is hosting webinars for Certifying Officers, Aetna Members, and Horizon Members. There are also resources on the landing page including a postcard, social campaign, rotating TV screen graphics, and printable posters.
16% Increase for Local Governments
As a reminder, there is a 16% Plan Year 2025 increase for the municipalities in the Local Government Employee Group in the State Health Benefits Program.
League Lunch & Learn
Lastly, the League is hosting a How to Choose a Health Benefits Plan Lunch & Learn on October 7 at noon. Kevin Lyons, Legal Protection Plan Administrator & Health Benefits Coordinator for New Jersey State PBA, will guide you through the process of reviewing and selecting a health benefit plan for open enrollment. He will explain how to compare different plans, understand the terminology used, and make the best choice for your needs.?The webinar is free with advanced registration.