NJ State Health Benefits Plan Special Open Enrollment - April 2024

April 2024 marks the start of a special open enrollment period for those currently enrolled in a state health benefits plan who wish to switch to an Aetna health insurance plan. Other changes to health benefits like adding or removing dependents or switching dental plans, will not be available during this time barring qualifying life events. 

Regular open enrollment will be available again in October 2024, with newly selected plans going into effect in January of 2025. 

Plan Changes

The SHBP will now offer coverage by Aetna that will follow the same plan design as the current Horizon plans. The plans are identical and have the same cost structure; the only difference is the Aetna plans will use the Aetna network of providers.

Pharmacy benefits will remain the same and continue to be managed by OptumRX for all members on Aetna and Horizon plans.

The Aetna Liberty Tiered Network, equivalent to the Horizon Omnia plan, will also offer a $1,000 one-time incentive. If you have already received a $1,000 incentive from Horizon Omnia, you will not be eligible for another one by switching to Aetna. 

Members will continue to have uninterrupted access to Direct Primary Care Homes and the NJ WELL Incentive Program if they enroll in an Aetna plan.  

Learn More

Anyone interested in learning more about the Aetna plans can attend a webinar by registering here. 

• Click “View a list of upcoming webinars” and scroll down to “SHBP State Special Enrollment Webinars.”
• Webinars will be offered between March 19th and April 23rd.

You can also call the Aetna Open Enrollment Hotline with further questions (1-833-398-0768) or contact our Local Healthcare Ombudsperson, Doug Martucci.