On August 3, 2020, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order No. 172 which waives the 60-day waiting period for enrollment in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) for newly hired employees and members returning from retirement, layoff, etc.
For the duration of the Public Health Emergency, any new or returning employee who is hired on or after March 9, 2020 (the date of issuance of Executive Order No. 103-2020), may immediately enroll in the SHBP at the member’s election. This applies to employees and dependents of State biweekly and State monthly employers, as well as employees and dependents of Local Government employers that participate in the SHBP.
Previously under Executive Order No. 115, the 60-day waiting period was waived only for new employees hired specifically in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Executive Order No. 172 now permits waiver for any new public employee, or returning employee, hired on or after March 9, 2020, and who is eligible for enrollment in the SHBP.
Executive Order No. 172, similar to the earlier Executive Order No. 115, only applies to employees eligible for enrollment in the SHBP. This Order does not waive the 60-waiting period for the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (SEHBP).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If you have questions regarding any of the information provided in this letter, contact the NJDPB’s Office of Client Services at (609) 292-7524, or email the NJDPB at: pensions.nj@treas.nj.gov
See the Certifying Officer Letter for further details.