OPEN ENROLLMENT 2026

(October 1 – 31, 2025)

It’s that time of year again-Open Enrollment for the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) is here! From October 1–31, 2025, you’ll have the chance to:

• Add or waive coverage
• Update or remove dependents
• Explore new medical and dental plan options
• Update demographic information

On October 1^st, visit the 2026 Virtual Benefits Fair! here

Check out what’s new for the 2026 plan year, explore your benefits, compare your options side by side, and enter to win prizes!

Don’t miss the live webinars!
Aetna and Horizon will be hosting live webinar sessions. Reserve your spot today here: calendar link

Log in to Benefitsolver through mynjbenefitshub or myNewJersey to make changes, review your information, and confirm your current plans. Need help? Check out the Enrollment Guide here.

Things to remember:

• All changes must be submitted online by October 31, 2025.
• Elections take effect January 1, 2026.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) require re-enrollment every year.

Even if you’re not making changes, it’s a great time to log in, review your current plans, and make sure your contact information such as email and phone number is up to date!

 

2026 Health Plan Summaries 

Health plan comparisons for Horizon and Aetna medical plans can be viewed here: Horizon Comparison and Aetna Comparison. Medical and prescription drug plan rates for 2026 and plan summaries will be posted to the New Jersey Division of Pension and Benefits website and can be viewed here.

The available plans for CWA and Union Negotiated Members (IFPTE/AFT) and Managers for Plan Year 2026 are:

PPO Plans:  

• • • Aetna Freedom/Freedom 2019* or Horizon NJ DIRECT/NJ DIRECT 2019*
    • Aetna CWA Unity Freedom/CWA Unity Freedom 2019** or Horizon CWA Unity DIRECT/CWA Unity DIRECT 2019**
    • Aetna Freedom 15 or Horizon NJ DIRECT15

HMO Plans: Aetna HMO or Horizon HMO

Tiered-Network Plans: Aetna Liberty Plus or Horizon OMNIA 

High Deductible Health Plans:

• • • Aetna Freedom HDHigh or Horizon NJ DIRECT HDHigh
    • Aetna Freedom HDLow or Horizon NJ DIRECT HDLow

*Members hired prior to July 1, 2019, will be enrolled in Aetna Freedom or Horizon NJ DIRECT. Members hired after July 1, 2019, will be enrolled in Aetna Freedom 2019 or Horizon NJ DIRECT 2019.

**For CWA members only. Members hired prior to July 1, 2019, will be enrolled in Aetna CWA Unity Freedom or Horizon CWA Unity DIRECT. Members hired after July 1, 2019, will be enrolled in Aetna CWA Unity Freedom 2019 or Horizon CWA Unity DIRECT 2019.

Tiered Plan Incentive

The State offers a one-time incentive of $1,000 to first-time enrollees who remain enrolled for one year into the Aetna Liberty Plus and Horizon OMNIA plan.  The incentive is reportable for income tax purposes, and is paid by gift card no later than the end of the current tax year. The incentive shall be forfeited and returned to the SHBP if you fail to remain in the tiered network plan for at least one year.  For more information on this incentive: click here

Dental Plans

Dental plan options are:

• Dental Plan Organization (DPO) plan: Aetna DMO– Diagnostic and preventive services are covered in full with a DPO dentist. Other eligible expenses may require a copayment.  Provider must participate with the selected DPO in order to receive coverage.  Note: The rate for coverage under a DPO remains less expensive than the Dental Expense Plan.

 

• Two PPO Dental Expense Plans (DEP):
  • • Aetna Dental Expense Plan
    • Horizon Dental Expense Plan 

The DEP is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan where members can obtain services from any dentist; however, using an in-network provider will reduce an employee’s costs. After satisfying an annual deductible, members are reimbursed a percentage of charges for eligible services.

Dental Plan Rates for 2026 will be posted to the New Jersey Division of Pension and Benefits website: here.

Tax$ave Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Tax$ave Essential Guide

Tax$ave, allows employees to set aside before-tax dollars to pay for certain medical, dental, and dependent care expenses. The FSA requires that you re-enroll each year through Horizon MyWay during the open enrollment period.

• Medical FSA annual maximum allowance (2026): $2,500
• Dependent Care FSA annual maximum (2026): $5,000

For more information, including enrollment instructions, please refer to the: Quick Reference Guide

Tax$ave FSA webinars will be held on:

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 12:00 PM    Link to register

Thursday, October 16, 2025 1:00 PM        Link to register

Thursday, October 23, 2025 12:30 PM      Link to register

 

NJWELL Program

The NJWELL program provides employees enrolled in the SHBP with activities and educational resources to support a healthy lifestyle.  These include live wellness events, fitness challenges and online wellness webinars.  Participants can also earn up to $350 or more in rewards based on points earned from participation in NJWELL.  For more information on the program, visit NJWELL here.

 

Benefits Fair

Mark Your Calendar: Benefits Fair – October 16!
When: 10 AM – 2 PM | Where: Alumni Lounges
Meet health and financial vendors, wellness screenings, get the latest on SHBP plans, catch presentations, and enter raffles! Don’t miss it! 

 

Flu Shot Clinic for Faculty & Staff

The Benefits Office will host an on-site Flu Shot Clinic in conjunction with Acme Pharmacy on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at the Benefits Fair in the Alumni Lounges-Student Center and Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 11:00 – 1:00 pm the POER Conference room.  You must register in advance at: https://www.ramapo.edu/poerd/flu-shot-clinic/

 

Please contact the Benefits office at ext. 7230, 7617 or 7502 with any questions regarding open enrollment or the benefit plans.