State Health Benefits Program

Active Group Eligibility:

Eligibility for Active Group coverage is determined by the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP). All applications to enroll, change coverage, terminate, etc. must go through your employer.

Full-time Employees

  • State Employees — To be eligible, you must be a full-time employee of the State of New Jersey or be a full-time appointed or elected officer of the State (this includes employees of a State agency or authority and employees of a State college or university). To be considered full-time you must work at least 35 hours per week.
  • Local Government Employees — To be eligible, you must be a full-time employee or a full-time appointed or elected officer from a local employer that participates in the SHBP (county, municipality, county or municipal authority, etc.). Each employer determines the minimum hours to be considered full-time by a resolution filed with the NJDPB; however, it cannot be less than 25 hours per week for an employee or less than 35 hours per week for an appointed or elected official who becomes eligible after May 21, 2010. Employment must also be for 12 months per year.

Part-time and Intermittent Employees

Certain part-time and intermittent employees are eligible for coverage. See the fact sheets below for more information.


Review Your Plan Choices

Information for Plan Year 2021

Side-by-side comparison of medical plans

Learn More About Employee Dental Plans

Review Your Plan Choices


Calculate Your Costs

Information for Plan Year 2021

Employee Medical Plan Rates

Employee Dental Plan Rates


Prescription Drug Information

All covered employees must have access to prescription drug coverage. The type of coverage provided and costs are determined by the option offered by your employer and the medical plan you select.


Other Resources

For more information, visit the NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits.