Continuing Coverage
Shamong Township Schools

 

Upon loss of District health coverage, you/your dependents may be eligible for continuing coverage. See below for your range of options. Contact the Business Office if you have questions about your next step.



COBRA (Source: U.S. Department of Labor)
The Consolildated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives
workers and their families who lose health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances, such as voluntary job loss, reduction in the hours worked, transition between jobs, death, divorce, and other life-changing events. Qualified individuals may be required to pay the entire premium, up to 102 percent of the plan cost.

COBRA generally requires that group health plans sponsored by employers, with 20 or more employees in the prior year, must offer employees and their families the opportunity for a temporarily extension of health coverage (called continuation coverage) in certain instances where coverage under the plan would otherwise end. COBRA outlines how employees and family members may elect continuation coverage. It also requires employers and plans to submit notice to employees.

Find additional information in your Plan Options or refer to
dol.gov.


New Jersey Chapter 375 (<31 Dependent) Plan
The New Jersey Chapter 375 plan (also known as the <31 Dependent or DU31 plan) gives eligible adults to age 31 the choice to elect health and prescription coverage under a parent's group health plan. Visit the New Jersey Chapter 375 page or www.state.nj.us for more details.


Retiree Plans
Retirees may have the option to continue District benefits or enroll in the School Employees' Health Benefits Plan (SEHBP) upon retirement. Visit www.state.nj.us for more details.


Medicare
This government-sponsored health coverage is typically available to eligible individuals who are age 65 and older, under the age of 65 with specified disabilities, or those with End Stage Renal Disease (ERSD). 

Note: if you are eligible for Medicare and are enrolled in the District prescription plan, you are enrolled in a 'creditable coverage' plan. This means you will not be penalized when you decide to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan in the future because your District plan is expected to cover your prescription drugs on the same level as a standard Medicare plan. You are provided with a Notice of Creditable Coverage annually; be sure to keep these notices on file. Visit www.medicare.gov for more information.


Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance MarketPlace
Find out about continuing coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov or (800) 318-2596.


NJ FamilyCare: Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) / Medicaid
The State of New Jersey offers the NJ FamilyCare CHIP and Medicaid programs to eligible individuals and families. Find out about eligibility and plan options at www.njfamilycare.org or (800) 701-0720.