Special Open Enrollment April 2026
State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) Special Open Enrollment 2026
The NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits is implementing significant plan updates to plan offerings for 2026. Due to these changes, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) will be offering a Special Open Enrollment period from April 1, 2026, to April 30, 2026. Plan changes made during the Special Open Enrollment will be effective July 1, 2026.
The current medical plans will no longer be offered.
The NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits will automatically move you to a new “26” medical plan with the same carrier that corresponds to your current medical plan effective as of July 1, 2026.
For example, “NJ DIRECT” will become “26 NJ DIRECT.”
This Special Open Enrollment will allow active State employees currently enrolled in a SHBP medical plan the opportunity to change their medical plan election to a different new “26” plan, other than the one to which you will be automatically enrolled. You will not be permitted to elect coverage if you previously waived medical coverage, add dependents to your existing plan, or make changes to your dental plan.
You are not required to take any action, unless you would like to change your plan from the one that will be automatically assigned to you effective July 1, 2026.
What is Changing?
The new medical plans will have changes to in-network deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
The prescription drug plans will require mail order for maintenance drugs and will see changes to copayments and out-of-pocket maximums.
Specific procedures that can be performed at an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) will result in a cost share of 50% coinsurance if not performed at an in-network ASC (with some exceptions). See here for detailed information.
The Office of Human Resources is waiting for further details from the NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits. We will share additional information as it becomes available.
Your Next Steps:
Employees are encouraged to login to your Benefitsolver Account and review the name of their current medical plan election and review the new “26” plans available.
We recommend you register for a webinar from Horizon and/or Aetna to explore plan changes.
If you are not making any plan changes, you will not have to take any action. All employees automatically will be moved to a new “26” medical plan with the same carrier that corresponds to your current medical plan (Horizon or Aetna).
If you wish to make changes to your medical plan, please proceed to your Benefitsolver account under Special Open Enrollment.
Any change to enrolled dependents should be submitted using a qualifying life event with verification required.
Please note that you will receive new cards at the end of this Special Open Enrollment for active State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) coverage effective July 1, 2026.
Resources
Horizon
Aetna
Questions
The HR benefits team is here to support you. If you have questions regarding this Special Open Enrollment, or your benefits, please free to contact us:
Via email benefits@kean.edu
Via phone - Paige O’Brien (908-737-3302) or benefits team contacts
In Person: Walk Ins welcome for general questions, appointments recommended for in depth topic reviews