E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — November 14, 2013 TO: All Certifying Officers FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Extended Call Center Hours of Operation Ends Thursday, November 14, 2013 The State Health Benefits Program and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program Open Enrollment period ended November 8; therefore, the extended hours of operation for the Division of Pensions and Benefits Call Center will end November 14. The Call Center at (609) 292-7524 will resume regular hours of operation (7:30 AM until 4:30 PM) on Friday, November 15.DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS— October 25, 2013 TO: Local Government Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: SHBP Open Enrollment Information The attached Health Capsule for SHBP members has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to be distributed to your employees. Please note that a fill-in health benefits application has also been created for ease of use for those employees joining the SHBP or making a coverage change. The application can be completed online and printed by the employee. The printed application should be forwarded to the employer for certification. Please note that the data entered on the fill-in form cannot be saved online and must be printed. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS— October 25, 2013 TO: Local Education Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: SEHBP Open Enrollment Information The attached Health Capsule for SEHBP members has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to be distributed to your employees. Please note that a fill-in health benefits application has also been created for ease of use for those employees joining the SEHBP or making a coverage change. The application can be completed online and printed by the employee. The printed application should be forwarded to the employer for certification. Please note that the data entered on the fill-in form cannot be saved online and must be printed.DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS— October 25, 2013 TO: State University and College Certifying Officers, State University and College Benefits Administrators, State Monthly Certifying Officers, State Monthly Benefits Administrators FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: SHBP Open Enrollment Information The attached Health Capsule for SHBP members has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to be distributed to your employees. Please note that a fill-in health benefits application has also been created for ease of use for those employees joining the SHBP or making a coverage change. The application can be completed online and printed by the employee. The printed application should be forwarded to the employer for certification. Please note that the data entered on the fill-in form cannot be saved online and must be printed. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS— October 25, 2013 TO: State Department Certifying Officers, State Department Human Resource Directors, State Biweekly Payroll Locations Benefits Administrators FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: SHBP Open Enrollment Information The attached Health Capsule for SHBP members has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to be distributed to your employees. Please note that a fill-in health benefits application has also been created for ease of use for those employees joining the SHBP or making a coverage change. The application can be completed online and printed by the employee. The printed application should be forwarded to the employer for certification. Please note that the data entered on the fill-in form cannot be saved online and must be printed.DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS— October 23, 2013 TO: Local Education Certifying Officers, Human Resource Directors, and Benefits Administrators participating in the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program FROM: NJWELL SUBJECT: Free Biometric Screening Opportunity at 2013 New Jersey Education Association Convention on November 7th and 8th NJWELL is pleased to announce that, in partnership with the New Jersey Education Association, we will be providing free biometric screenings at the 2013 NJEA convention at the Atlantic City Convention Center on November 7th and 8th. Screenings are available from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. on November 7th, and from 8:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. on November 8th. The screenings are completely confidential and will provide participants with valuable information on their current health status. This event is a special preview for NJWELL, the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program’s new incentive based employee wellness program. This will be the only opportunity before the official start date of NJWELL on January 1, 2014 to earn points toward the $100 Visa gift card incentive that NJWELL is offering to participants in 2014. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. Employees enrolled in a SEHBP health plan through Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield or Aetna who are attending the Convention and would like to receive a free screening can register here: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/njwell/nj-well-sehbp-njea.shtml A link to the registration page can also be found at www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions under “hot topics.” If you have any questions about NJWELL, please contact us at: NJWELL@treas.state.nj.us DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — October 7, 2013 TO: State Department Certifying Officers, State Department Human Resource Directors, State Biweekly Payroll Locations Benefits Administrators FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Open Enrollment for the New Jersey State Employees Tax Savings Program (Tax$ave 2014) The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce the Open Enrollment for the New Jersey State Employees Tax Savings Program (Tax$ave 2014). The dates for the Tax$ave Open Enrollment are October 1 to November 1, 2013 with plan benefits and changes effective January 1, 2014. WageWorks (formerly Fringe Benefits Management Company, a Division of WageWorks) administers the Tax$ave Flexible Savings Account Plans for the State of New Jersey. Find out more about the FSA plans and other Tax$ave benefits available to you and your employees in the letter and related attachments. Employers should note that Open Enrollment publications are being distributed as electronic and online versions only. Please provide your employees with access to the Adobe PDF publications, or direct them to the Open Enrollment links on the Division of Pensions and Benefits Web site: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — October 7, 2013 TO: State University and College Certifying Officers, State University and College Benefits Administrators, State Monthly Certifying Officers, State Monthly Benefits Administrators FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Open Enrollment for the New Jersey State Employees Tax Savings Program (Tax$ave 2014) The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce the Open Enrollment for the New Jersey State Employees Tax Savings Program (Tax$ave 2014). The dates for the Tax$ave Open Enrollment are October 1 to November 1, 2013 with plan benefits and changes effective January 1, 2014. WageWorks (formerly Fringe Benefits Management Company, a Division of WageWorks) administers the Tax$ave Flexible Savings Account Plans for the State of New Jersey. Find out more about the FSA plans and other Tax$ave benefits available to you and your employees in the letter and related attachments. Employers should note that Open Enrollment publications are being distributed as electronic and online versions only. Please provide your employees with access to the Adobe PDF publications, or direct them to the Open Enrollment links on the Division of Pensions and Benefits Web site: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS— October 3, 2013 TO: All Certifying Officers FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Call Center Hours of Operation Now 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Monday — Thursday) For your convenience the Division of Pensions and Benefits Call Center representatives will be available 7:00 AM until 6:30 PM Monday through Thursday due to the start of the State Health Benefits Program and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program Open Enrollment Period. On Friday the Call Center hours remain unchanged from 7:30 AM until 4:30 PM. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — October 1, 2013 TO: State Biweekly Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: State Health Benefits Program SUBJECT: SHBP Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2014 The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce the Open Enrollment for State Health Benefits Program (SHBP). The dates for the SHBP Open Enrollment are October 1 to November 1, 2013 with plan benefits and changes effective January 1, 2014. Learn more about SHBP benefits available to you and your employees in the letter and related attachments. Employers should note that Open Enrollment publications are being distributed for Open Enrollment as electronic and online versions only. Please provide your employees with access to the Adobe PDF publications, or direct them to the Open Enrollment links on the Division of Pensions and Benefits Web site: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/ DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — October 1, 2013 TO: State Monthly Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: State Health Benefits Program SUBJECT: SHBP Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2014 The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce the Open Enrollment for State Health Benefits Program (SHBP). The dates for the SHBP Open Enrollment are October 1 to November 1, 2013 with plan benefits and changes effective January 1, 2014. Learn more about SHBP benefits available to you and your employees in the letter and related attachments. Employers should note that Open Enrollment publications are being distributed for Open Enrollment as electronic and online versions only. Please provide your employees with access to the Adobe PDF publications, or direct them to the Open Enrollment links on the Division of Pensions and Benefits Web site: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — October 1, 2013 TO: Local Government Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: State Health Benefits Program SUBJECT: SHBP Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2014 The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce the Open Enrollment for State Health Benefits Program (SHBP). The dates for the SHBP Open Enrollment are October 1 to November 1, 2013 with plan benefits and changes effective January 1, 2014. Learn more about SHBP benefits available to you and your employees in the letter and related attachments. Employers should note that Open Enrollment publications are being distributed for Open Enrollment as electronic and online versions only. Please provide your employees with access to the Adobe PDF publications, or direct them to the Open Enrollment links on the Division of Pensions and Benefits Web site: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/ DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — October 1, 2013 TO: Local Education Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: NJ School Employees' Health Benefits Program SUBJECT: SEHBP Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2014 The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce the Open Enrollment for School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (SEHBP). The dates for the SEHBP Open Enrollment are October 1 to November 1, 2013 with plan benefits and changes effective January 1, 2014. Learn more about SEHBP benefits available to you and your employees in the letter and related attachments. Employers should note that Open Enrollment publications are being distributed for Open Enrollment as electronic and online versions only. Please provide your employees with access to the Adobe PDF publications, or direct them to the Open Enrollment links on the Division of Pensions and Benefits Web site: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/ DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS— October 1, 2013 TO: State Biweekly and Monthly Employers FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: NJ WELL - New Wellness Program Kicks Off for 2014 The State of New Jersey is pleased to announce that beginning in January 2014, a new wellness program will be incorporated into the State Health Benefits Program’s (SHBP) health benefit plans, which are offered through Aetna and Horizon. This program, called NJWELL, offers active employees incentives to learn more about their current health status and to work toward improving their health. The attached announcement Adobe PDF (302K) and form Adobe PDF (25K) address the NJWELL Wellness Program. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS— October 1, 2013 TO: Local Government Employers participating in the SHBP FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: NJ WELL - New Wellness Program Kicks Off for 2014 The State of New Jersey is pleased to announce that beginning in January 2014, a new wellness program will be incorporated into the State Health Benefits Program’s (SHBP) health benefit plans, which are offered through Aetna and Horizon. This program, called NJWELL, offers active employees incentives to learn more about their current health status and to work toward improving their health. The attached announcement Adobe PDF (355K) and form Adobe PDF (25K)address the NJWELL Wellness Program. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS— September 23, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits, Employer Education Unit SUBJECT: Pension Training and Health Benefits Seminars for Employers The Division of Pensions and Benefits has openings available for upcoming Employer Pension Training and Health Benefits Open Enrollment Seminars for Certifying Officers and other personnel responsible for the administration of pension and benefits at employing locations. Training options include both Classroom Sessions and live online Webinars. For a complete list of training classes, webinars, and available dates visit the Division of Pensions and Benefits’ Employer Training Web page at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS— September 19, 2013 TO: SEHBP Participating Certifying Officers FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: NJ WELL - New Wellness Program Kicks Off for 2014 The State of New Jersey is pleased to announce that beginning in January 2014, a new wellness program will be incorporated into the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program’s (SEHBP) health benefit plans, which are offered through Aetna and Horizon. This program, called NJ WELL, offers active employees incentives to learn more about their current health status and to work toward improving their health. The attached announcement Adobe PDF (76K) and form Adobe PDF (26K) address the NJ WELL Wellness Program. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — September 6, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers and Supervisors of Certifying Officers FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Annual Renewal Membership Certification Required under Chapter 52, P.L. 2011 The attached Certifying Officer Letter Adobe PDF (61K) is official notice to Certifying Officers and Supervisors of Certifying Officers that it is time to renew the Annual Membership Certification as required under the provisions of Chapter 52, P.L. 2011. The Certifying Officer and Supervisor of the Certifying Officer are both required to complete the Chapter 52 Annual Membership Certification, which is available as an online application in the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC). All certifications must be completed no later than September 30, 2013. Specific instructions on using the Chapter 52 Annual Membership Certification online application are contained in the Certifying Officer Letter. CERTIFYING ENROLLMENTS Certifying Officers and Supervisors of Certifying Officers should verify that all training in enrollments — as required under Chapter 52 — has been completed and that all enrolled persons are eligible for membership in the retirement system in accordance with the statutes and regulations of the retirement system prior to certification. Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — September 5, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) FROM: Wendy Jamison, Board Secretary, Police and Firemen’s Retirement System SUBJECT: PFRS Notice of Election The attached Certifying Officer Letter Adobe PDF (48K) has been issued by the PFRS Board of Trustees to request nominations for the election for one “Police” Representative position, and one “Firefighting” Representative to the PFRS Board of Trustees. A Police and Fire representative will be elected for a four-year term as of July 1, 2014. Candidates for all positions must now qualify by electronic nomination. The PFRS Board of Trustees requests that the attached Notice of Election be distributed to each PFRS member at your employing location and that the Notice be prominently posted in your workplace. This Certifying Officer Letter and the attached Notice of Election is being transmitted to you electronically and requires your electronic response. SEE THE CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER FOR SPECIFIC RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS - DO NOT REPLY TO THIS COVER MESSAGE.DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — September 5, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers of the Public Employees' Retirement System FROM: Hank Schwedes, Board Secretary, PERS Board of Trustees SUBJECT: PERS Notice of Election The attached Certifying Officer Letter Adobe PDF (48K) has been issued by the PERS Board of Trustees to seek nominations for one “State” Representative position, one "County" Representative, and one “Municipal” Representative position to the PERS Board of Trustees. The State, County, and Municipal representatives will be elected for a three-year terms as of July 1, 2014. Candidates for all positions must qualify by nomination. The PERS Board of Trustees requests that the attached Notice of Election be prominently posted in your workplace as official notice to PERS employees. This Certifying Officer Letter and the attached Notice of Election is being transmitted to you electronically and requires your electronic response. SEE THE CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER FOR SPECIFIC RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS - DO NOT REPLY TO THIS COVER MESSAGE. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — August 29, 2013 TO: SHBP/SEHBP Participating Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Affordable Care Act — Notice Of Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage Options The attached Certifying Officer Letters (for State Employers and Local Government and Education Employers) address actions which are required from employers under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). Specifically, employer distribution to ALL EMPLOYEES of the “Notice of Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage Options.” Employers must carefully follow the instructions provided in the letter to complete the fill-in form template and distribute the notice to all employees no later than September 15, 2013. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — August 21, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers and Supervisors of Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Updates to Enrollment Applications and Transfer Forms ---- Urgent Reminder ---- This message is an important reminder to employers about the proper submission of Enrollment Applications and Transfer Forms. On July 26, 2013 you were notified that the Division of Pensions and Benefits has updated Enrollment Applications, the Application for Interfund Transfer, and the Report of Transfer/Multiple Enrollment Form. While it remains a requirement that employers use the online Enrollment Applications available in EPIC whenever possible, in cases where paper Enrollment Applications or Transfer Forms need to be submitted to the Division, employers must use the most recent versions of the printable forms. Older versions of the forms will be rejected and returned for employer compliance. Updated versions of the Enrollment Applications and Transfer Forms can be obtained by printing them from the “Forms Index” of the Employers’ Pensions and Benefits Administration Manual (EPBAM) at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epbam/support/formsindex.htm Chapter 52, P.L. 2011, (N.J.S.A. 43:3C-15) compliance is mandatory for both the Certifying Officer and the immediate Supervisor of the Certifying Officer at every location. Your signature on the enrollment forms certifies that you have satisfied the required training and annual membership certification for member eligibility at your location. Please note that you are personally and legally accountable with Chapter 52 compliance. For more information visit: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/enrollment-ch52.shtml E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — July 26, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers and Supervisors of Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Updates to Enrollment Applications and Transfer Forms This message is to notify employers that the Division of Pensions and Benefits has updated Enrollment Applications, the Application for Interfund Transfer, and the Report of Transfer/Multiple Enrollment Form. The new forms confirm employer compliance with the provisions of Chapter 52, P.L. 2011, (N.J.S.A. 43:3C-15) which requires that both the Certifying Officer and the immediate Supervisor of the Certifying Officer receive training in enrollments, certify all enrollment applications, and annually certify for each member of the retirement system that the enrolled person is eligible for membership in the retirement system in accordance with the statutes and regulations of the retirement system. Enrollment and transfer applications cannot be accepted by the Division unless all of the conditions listed above are satisfied. For more information about Chapter 52, visit: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/enrollment-ch52.shtml ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES While it remains a requirement that employers use the online Enrollment Applications available in EPIC whenever possible, in cases where a paper Enrollment Application or Transfer Form needs to be submitted to the Division, employers must use the most recent versions of the printable forms.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — June 27, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Personal Benefit Statement Available Online Through MBOS The attached Certifying Officer Letter is being issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce a significant change to the Personal Benefit Statements provided for members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF), Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS), and State Police Retirement System (SPRS). Access to the Personal Benefit Statement is now available to retirement system members through their personal accounts on the Member Benefits Online System (MBOS). DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees. The letter and attachments are in PDF format and require Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF files, links to this Certifying Officer Letter and past letters can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — June 24, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers, State Colleges and Universities FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Affordable Care Act The attached Certifying Officer Letter is being issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to State Colleges and Universities in order to comply with the Affordable Care Act. The State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) requires a determination of “full-time” employees (as defined by the Internal Revenue Service) currently working at your location. State Colleges and Universities will need to complete the attached Classification of Full-time Employees form and return it to the SHBP via fax to (609) 341-3412 by July 12, 2013. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees. The letter and attachments are in PDF format and require Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF files, links to this Certifying Officer Letter and past letters can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — June 19, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: New Application on MBOS - Purchase Estimate Calculator The attached Certifying Officer Letter is being issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce the online Purchase Calculator — a new application available to your employees through the Member Benefits Online System (MBOS) that can accurately estimate the cost of a purchase of additional service credit. the online Purchase Calculator identifies the employee through pension membership; uses the salary information posted to the member’s pension account; calculates both shared-cost purchases (Former Membership, Leave of Absence, etc.) and full-cost purchases (Military, US Government, etc.); and is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week on MBOS. Additional information for your employees about the online Purchase Calculator and how to register for MBOS is provided with this letter. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees. The letter and attachments are in PDF format and require Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF files, links to this Certifying Officer Letter and past letters can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — June 6, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers, State and County Colleges and Universities FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Alternate Benefit Program Default Investment Provider The attached Certifying Officer Letter is being issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC) as the Alternate Benefit Program (ABP) default investment provider for the coming fiscal year — July 1, 2013 thru June 30, 2014. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of ABP benefits for your employees. The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 28, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers of the Public Employees' Retirement System and Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Pension Contribution Rate Change for the PERS and TPAF The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits as notification of the PERS and TPAF member contribution change effective July 2013 pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 78, P.L. 2011 — the Pension and Health Benefits Reform Law. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees. The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 28, 2013 TO: State Biweekly and State Monthly Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Health Benefit Contribution Rate Changes for State Employees The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits as notification of the Health Benefits Percentage of Premium Contribution change effective July 2013 pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 78, P.L. 2011 — the Pension and Health Benefits Reform Law. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of health benefits for your employees. The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 28, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers of the Judicial Retirement System (JRS) FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Pension and Health Benefit Contribution Rate Changes for the JRS The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits as notification of the JRS pension contribution change and Health Benefits Percentage of Premium Contribution change effective July 2013 pursuant to Article VI, Section VI, Paragraph 6 of the New Jersey Constitution, as authorized under Chapter 78, P.L. 2011 — the Pension and Health Benefits Reform Law. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension and health benefits for your employees. The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 28, 2013 TO: State Judiciary Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Health Benefit Contribution Rate Changes for Certain Judiciary Employees The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits as notification of the Health Benefits Percentage of Premium Contribution change for certain State Judiciary employees effective July 2013 pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 78, P.L. 2011 — the Pension and Health Benefits Reform Law. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of health benefits for your employees. The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 28, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers of Local Government and Local Education Employers Participating in the SHBP/SEHBP FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Health Benefit Contribution Rate Changes for Local Government and Local Education Employees The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits as notification of the Health Benefits Percentage of Premium Contribution change effective for some Local Government or Local Education employees as of July 2013 and pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 78, P.L. 2011 — the Pension and Health Benefits Reform Law. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of health benefits for your employees. The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 16, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers, State and County Colleges and Universities FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Closure of ABP Pre-1995 Annuity Contracts The attached Certifying Officer Letter is being issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce the closure of Alternate Benefit Program (ABP) pre-1995 annuity contracts — which result from the publication to the New Jersey Administrative Code of final rules relating to the ABP (N.J.A.C. 17:7). DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of ABP benefits for your employees. The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 10, 2013 TO: SHBP/SEHBP Participating Certifying Officers FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Ten-Month Employee Policy – Reminder The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued to SHBP/SEHBP employers as a reminder of the existing policy for the effective dates of SHBP/SEHBP coverage as it applies to 10-month employees. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of health benefits for employees. The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to Certifying Officer Letters can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml PLEASE NOTE: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — March 26, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers and Supervisors of Certifying Officers of SHBP/SEHBP Employers with Participating Part-time Employees FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Part-time Coverage – System Update for Prescription Coverage The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued to SHBP/SEHBP employers with covered part-time employees regarding a recently completed system update for prescription drug coverage through the SHBP/SEHBP health plans. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of health benefits for employees. The letter and attachment are in PDF format and require Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF files, links to Certifying Officer Letters can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml PLEASE NOTE: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — March 14, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers and Supervisors of Certifying Officers FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Annual Membership Certification Required under Chapter 52, P.L. 2011 The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued to announce that the Chapter 52 Annual Membership Certification online application is now available to employers in the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC). Chapter 52, P.L. 2011, (N.J.S.A. 43:3C-15) requires that both the Certifying Officer and the immediate Supervisor of the Certifying Officer receive training in enrollments and annually certify for each member of the retirement system, that the enrolled person is eligible for membership in the retirement system in accordance with the statutes and regulations of the retirement system. IMMEDIATE EMPLOYER ACTION IS REQUIRED With the completion of programming, the Chapter 52 Annual Membership Certification is now due from employers. The designated and trained Certifying Officer and Supervisor of the Certifying Officer are both required to complete the Chapter 52 Annual Membership Certification within 30 days of receipt of this letter. Failure to comply with the certification requirement will prevent the Division from accepting any new enrollment applications from the employing location until the certifications are completed. The "Chapter 52 Certification" button will be available when the Certifying Officer or the Supervisor of the Certifying Officer logs on to EPIC. Specific instructions on using the Chapter 52 Annual Membership Certification online application are contained in the Certifying Officer Letter. CERTIFYING ENROLLMENTS Certifying Officers and Supervisors of Certifying Officers should verify that all training in enrollments, as required under Chapter 52, has been completed and that all enrolled persons are eligible for membership in the retirement system in accordance with the statutes and regulations of the retirement system prior to certification (please also refer to the Certifying Officer Letter of January 18, 2013, Professional Services Contracts and Review of PERS Enrollment). The attached letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to Certifying Officer Letters can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — March 5, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers of the Public Employees' Retirement System FROM: Public Employees' Retirement System Board of Trustees SUBJECT: State Representative Elected to the Public Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees The attached Certifying Officer Letter Adobe PDF (50K) has been issued by the PERS Board of Trustees to announce the election of Thomas Bruno to a three year term, effective July 1, 2013, as the State Representative to the PERS Board of Trustees. The PERS Board of Trustees requests that the attached letter be prominently posted in your workplace as official notice to PERS State employees of the election results. Additional information about the 2013 PERS Board of Trustee Elections is available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/pers-board-election.shtml DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees. The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — March 5, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers of the Public Employees' Retirement System FROM: Public Employees' Retirement System Board of Trustees SUBJECT: Municipal Representative Elected to the Public Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees The attached Certifying Officer Letter Adobe PDF (50K) has been issued by the PERS Board of Trustees to announce the election of Benjamin "Max" Hurst to a three year term, effective July 1, 2013, as the Municipal Representative to the PERS Board of Trustees. The PERS Board of Trustees requests that the attached letter be prominently posted in your workplace as official notice to PERS municipal employees of the election results. Additional information about the 2013 PERS Board of Trustee Elections is available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/pers-board-election.shtml DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees. The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — February 26, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers, State and County Colleges and Universities FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: ABP & ACTS Common Remitter Services The attached Certifying Officer Letter is being issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce the launch of ING’s Common Remitter services for participants in the New Jersey Alternate Benefit Program (ABP) and Additional Contributions Tax-Sheltered Program (ACTS). DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of ABP and ACTS benefits for your employees. The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — February 7, 2013 TO: State Biweekly and State Monthly Certifying Officers, Local Government and Local Education Certifying Officers participating in the SHBP and SEHBP FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Required Notices to SHBP/SEHBP Enrollees - Updated for 2013 Attached to this message you will find the annual update to the Required Notices to SHBP/SEHBP Enrollees Adobe PDF (261K).
The attached document provides everything employers need to comply with the notification requirements.
The notice is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm Future access to the Notice is accessible from the Forms Index of the Employers’ Pensions & Benefits Administration Manual (EPBAM), which is linked directly from the blue navigation bar at the top of most pages of our Web site: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/ At the top of the Forms Index, select the link to the SHBP/SEHBP section where you will find the notices linked as “COBRA/HIPAA Required Notice.” DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of health benefits for employees. Current and archived E-Mail Messages are also available for viewing on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml PLEASE NOTE: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE — February 4, 2013 TO: Local Government and Local Education Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits, Employer Education Unit SUBJECT: EMPLOYER PENSION TRAINING SEMINAR The Division of Pensions and Benefits has openings available for upcoming Employer Pension Training Seminars for Certifying Officers and other personnel responsible for the administration of pension and benefits at employing locations. INTERNET REPORT OF CONTRIBUTIONS (IROC) TRAINING Friday, February 8, 2013 — 10:00 A.M. This employer training is designed for anyone in payroll or benefit administration who is responsible for completing the quarterly pension Internet Report of Contributions or IROC. Whether you are brand new or a seasoned veteran, we are sure that you will benefit from this training. Enrollment is limited. Please keep in mind that this is NOT a substitute for the enrollment training required by Chapter 52 P.L. 2011. This class is held at the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (Hamilton, N.J.) Register at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml
Additional seminar dates and a wide range of employer training topics are available. For a complete list of training classes, webinars, and available dates visit the Division of Pensions and Benefits’ Employer Training Web page at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Current and archived E-Mail Messages are also available for viewing on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — January 24, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers, State and County Colleges and Universities FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: FINAL REQUEST – TRANSITION TO RETIREMENT PROGRAMS AND RESCINDING ABP RETIREMENT The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits regarding the discontinuation of "Transition to Retirement" programs and required corrective measures to be taken with regard to employees who had elected to participate in such programs. The letter is an update to a topic that was previously addressed in the Certifying Officer Letters of July 1, 2011, May 9, 2012, and October 11, 2012. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees and/or retirees. The letter and attachment are in PDF format and require Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF files, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — January 18, 2013 TO: Certifying Officers of Local Government/Education Employers participating in the PERS and DCRP FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS AND REVIEW OF PERS ENROLLMENT The attached Certifying Officer Letter, and included Fact Sheet and Checklist, have been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to address instances of improper enrollment in the retirement system — as identified in the recent report from the Office of the State Comptroller — of individuals working as independent contractors or under Professional Services Contracts.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff and any other staff members responsible for administration of retirement system enrollment of your employees. The letter and attachments are in PDF format and require Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF files, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE — January 18, 2013 TO: Employers and Members of the New Jersey Retirement Systems FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: NEW WEB SITE RESOURCE – ONLINE GUIDE TO RETIREMENT The Division of Pensions and Benefits is pleased to announce a new retirement planning resource available to members of the New Jersey State-administered Retirement Systems* — the Online Guide to Retirement. Available through the Division of Pensions and Benefits Web site, the Online Guide to Retirement is an on-demand, interactive learning environment that includes everything about the retirement process you would learn in a retirement workshop or counseling interview. The Online Guide to Retirement features:
The Online Guide to Retirement is a time saving, easy-to-use resource when you or your employees are ready to retire — or if even just thinking about retirement in the near future. Try out the Online Guide to Retirement today and refer your employees to the guide at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/retirement/ An announcement flier Adobe PDF (23K) with access information is included with this e-message. Please distribute or post this information for your employees.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Please advise your employees of the availability of this new online resource. Certifying Officers should also forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Current and archived E-Mail Messages are also available for viewing on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. Attachment: Retirement Guide Announcement Flier Adobe PDF (23K) E-MAIL MESSAGE — January 16, 2013 TO: Local Government and Local Education Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits, Employer Education Unit SUBJECT: EMPLOYER PENSION TRAINING SEMINARS The Division of Pensions and Benefits has openings available for upcoming Employer Pension Training Seminars for Certifying Officers and other personnel responsible for the administration of pension and benefits at employing locations. SEMINAR FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYERS PENSION PROCESSING 202 — EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES Tuesday, January 29, 2013 — 10:00 A.M. A classroom session that provides training on the employer’s responsibility in the pension and benefit process including purchase of service credit, loans, retirement, health benefits and death claims and how to use the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) for these tasks. Also presented is a brief overview of the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP). This class is held at the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (Hamilton, N.J.) Register at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml
PENSION PROCESSING 201 — EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES Friday, January 25, 2013 — 10:00 A.M. A classroom session that provides training on the employer’s responsibility in the pension and benefit process including purchase of service credit, loans, retirement, health benefits and death claims and how to use the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) for these tasks. Also presented is a brief overview of the School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP). This class is held at the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (Hamilton, N.J.) Register at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml
Additional seminar dates and a wide range of employer training topics are available. For a complete list of training classes, webinars, and available dates visit the Division of Pensions and Benefits’ Employer Training Web page at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Current and archived E-Mail Messages are also available for viewing on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE — January 3, 2013 TO: Local Government, Local Education, and State Monthly Employers Participating in the SHBP and SEHBP FROM: The Division of Pensions and Benefits, Health Benefits Financial SUBJECT: NEW APPLICATION IN EPIC — HEALTH BENEFITS YEAR END COST REPORT FOR 2012 W-2 REPORTING OF GROUP HEALTH COVERAGE The Division of Pensions and Benefits is pleased to announce that a new Health Benefits Year End Cost Report is available to employers through the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC). This report is being provided to aid employers who are required under the Affordable Care Act to report on IRS Form W-2 the estimated value of the health insurance coverage provided to employees under the employer’s group health plan. The report will be available to employers who provide coverage through the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) or the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (SEHBP). The Health Benefits Year End Cost Report provides employers with secure access to the information. The report will be updated annually. Please see IRS notice 2012-9 at http://www.irs.gov/ for detailed information on the reporting requirements. Once the Health Benefits Year End Cost Report is assigned to EPIC users at your location (see instructions below), it is available along with the Health Benefits Alpha and Activity Reports. When the “Year End Report” button is selected, the report will open and display the employee’s name, SSN, and the total health coverage and/or prescription drug cost for 2012 for each employee enrolled under the employer in the SHBP or SEHBP. Additional information about using EPIC applications is available in the EPIC User’s Guide at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epickit.htm A link to the EPIC User’s Guide is also found on the EPIC home page. ASSIGNING ACCESS TO NEW EPIC APPLICATIONS Please make sure that employees who require access to this report have the appropriate EPIC access. The designated Certifying Officer must assign access to new EPIC applications to users registered through your employing location. For detailed information about how to assign access to new applications, see the EPIC Security help pages at: It is also important to keep the EPIC security access of your employees up-to-date — and be sure to terminate access for those employees who leave your employment or whose duties change and who no longer require EPIC access. If you experience problems logging onto or using EPIC, you may e-mail the EPIC Help Desk at: Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. |
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Copyright
© State of New Jersey, 1996-2013
Division of Pensions and Benefits
PO Box 295
Trenton, NJ 08625-0295
Last Updated: November 14, 2013