SHBP RETIREE WELLNESS PROGRAM

Agreements between the State of New Jersey and bargaining organizations representing State employees require certain State retirees who attained 25 years of service after June 30, 2007, or who retired on a disability retirement on or after August 1, 2007, to pay a health contribution of 1.5% of the retirement benefit* unless the retired member is enrolled in the Retiree Wellness Program. Participation in the Retiree Wellness Program results in the waiver of the required health contribution.

The Retiree Wellness Program also provides for early detection and intervention to address health risks, encourages the development of healthy lifestyles designed to promote wellness and prevent disease, provides reminders of critical tests and screenings necessary to monitor your health, and provides guidance to those now struggling with chronic disease.

The Retiree Wellness Program officially began operation as of July 1, 2008.

• New State retirees who are eligible for the SHBP receive a Retiree Wellness Program Welcome Letter and Retiree Wellness Program Pledge form (PDF 54K) as part of their SHBP enrollment.
  
  
• Enrolled eligible State retirees are required to complete and submit the Retiree Wellness Program Pledge form (PDF 13K) each year as acknowledgement of acceptance of the terms and conditions of Wellness Program participation.
  
  In addition to annually renewing their Retiree Wellness Program Pledge. Participating etirees are also required to complete a Health Risk Assessment survey; have an annual medical check-up; obtain age and gender appropriate tests and screenings; and participate in disease management programs administered by the SHBP medical plans (NJ DIRECT, Aetna HMO, or CIGNA HealthCare).
  
  
• Eligible State retirees who do not enroll in the Retiree Wellness Program pay the required health contribution of 1.5% of the retirement benefit*. These retirees have an opportunity to enroll in the Retiree Wellness Program during each October Open Enrollment (PDF 58K). If enrolled at that time, the 1.5% health contribution will cease as of January 1 of the following year.
  

*ABP retirees pay a health contribution equal to 1.5% of 50% of the highest salary the retiree had in the 5 years prior to retirement.

Note: State retirees who attained 25 years of service, or retired on a disability retirement, prior to July 1, 2007 are subject to the premium sharing arrangements at the time they attained 25 years or retired on a disability. For additional premium sharing information click here.