About the 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 and before June 28, 2011, or who retired on a disability retirement on or after August 1, 2007 and before June 28, 2011, 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.

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.

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

• New State retirees who are eligible for, and enroll in, the SHBP receive a Retiree Wellness Program Welcome Letter and Retiree Wellness Program Pledge form as part of their SHBP enrollment.
• Enrolled eligible State retirees are required to complete and submit the Retiree Wellness Program Pledge form 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 retirees are required, each year, to complete a Health Assessment Test (HAT); have an annual medical check-up and submit the Annual Physician Certification (to be completed by the retiree and the physician); obtain age and gender appropriate tests and screenings; and participate in disease management programs administered by the SHBP medical plans (Aetna or NJ DIRECT/Horizon).
• Eligible State retirees who do not enroll in the Retiree Wellness Program — or who do not complete the annual HAT and/or Wellness Certifications — will pay the required health contribution of 1.5% of the retirement benefit.* These retirees have the opportunity to enroll in the Retiree Wellness Program each year between January 1 and October 31 during the SHBP Retiree Wellness Program Open Enrollment. Contact your medical plan for information and forms. If enrolled, 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.