A Negotiated Benefit Through Our CWA-State of NJ Contract
The Healthcare Ombudsperson Program is a joint venture between CWA and the State of New Jersey to provide education and counseling to employees, to resolve employee issues effectively and efficiently, and to work collaboratively to create better healthcare outcomes.
If you have a healthcare question or assistance with your benefits, please reach out to your branch president or other representative, and they will get you in contact with the CWA Local 1031 Healthcare Ombudsperson.
Open Enrollment 2026
Open Enrollment for all members in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) runs from October 1 through October 31.
During this period, members may:
- Select a different health plan
- Select a different dental plan
- Add or Remove Dependents
- Sign up for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program
Open Enrollment is optional, and if you do not choose to make any changes, you do not need to do anything. FSA enrollment must be done annually and does not automatically renew.
Open Enrollment Information is being compiled and will be posted as soon as it is available.
Health Benefits Changes Are Coming
This information applies to CWA contract full-time employees working under the CWA contract with the State of NJ, enrolled in Union Negotiated Rate health plans. For employees at Rutgers & University Hospital, see below for more information.
Members will see no increase in premiums for 2026, however there will be changes to the health plans that were necessary to achieve this. More information on the changes is below. Some of these changes will require a second open enrollment period, which has not yet been scheduled. Many of the changes to the plans will not take place until after this special open enrollment period is to occur.
CWA Recommends Against Making Changes During October Open Enrollment:
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CWA Recommends Members Participate in October Open Enrollment To:
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List of Changes to NJ State Health Benefits Program for 2026
In order to address the massive increases in health care costs and avoid catastrophic healthcare premium increases, CWA, along with the other unions representing state workers, negotiated some changes to the SHBP. Along with changes to coverage in most state worker PPO plans (CWA Unity Direct, NJ Direct 15, etc.), there are changes that affect members in all plans.
State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee
The plan design committee (PDC) is responsible for formally implementing any changes to the health benefits for state workers. They met on September 24th to formally implement the changes negotiated with the governor for plan year 2026. Below is the full text of the changes adopted by the PDC.
- Original MOA to Healthplan Changes
- Resolution to Modify Copays, Deductibles, and Out-of-Pocket Maximums and Limit Out of Network Physical Therapy
- Resolution to Modify Prescription Drug Copays and Out-of-Pocket Maximums for Prescription Drug Benefits
- Resolution Regarding Ambulatory Surgical Centers
- Resolution to Modify Centers of Excellence Pilot Program
Special Considerations for Employees at Rutgers & University Hospital
RU & UH employees have access to the same plans CWA State employees have access to, at the same union negotiated rates. RU & UH staff also have access to several legacy health plans, at rates set by the formula set out under the state’s Chapter 78 Law. These legacy plans have seen substantial rate increases in the last few years and will continue to see rate increases for 2026. CWA strongly recommends any members enrolled in a legacy plan to strongly consider switching to a plan with union negotiated rates.
| Chapter 78 Plans | Premiums Will Increase | |
| Horizon | Aetna | |
| NJ Direct 10 NJ Direct 15 NJ Direct 2030 NJ Direct 2035 Horizon HMO Horizon HDLow Horizon HDHigh |
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| Union Negotiated Rate Plans | Premiums Will Not Increase | |
| Horizon | Aetna | |
| NJ Direct NJ Direct 2019 OMNIA |
Freedom Freedom 2019 Liberty Plus |
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Members enrolled in SHBP may deposit up to $2500 annually into a Flexible Spending Account to spend on qualifying medical expenses during the year
- Funds are withdrawn tax free via payroll deduction, spread out across the year
- Enrollment does not renew, you must sign up each year
- Enroll at www.HorizonBlue.com/EnrollFSA
- FSA program is administered by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield for all members, even those enrolled in Aetna health plans
Division of Pensions and Benefits
Our health plans are administered by the NJ Division of Pensions & Benefits, to go directly to their website use the links below.
- State of NJ – Department of the Treasury – NJDPB | SHBP for Active Members
- State of NJ – Department of the Treasury – NJDPB | SHBP for Retirees
Benefitsolver
All changes to your health insurance benefits are done through the Benefitsolver website.
Select programs for CWA members enrolled in the NJ State Health Benefits Programs (NJ SHBP)
NJ WELL – Earn $350
Your well-being matters. NJ Well provides inclusive and holistic experiences to meet members’ needs through activities and educational programming to support healthy lifestyles. Obtain 800 points and earn a reward.
Horizon bFit
Earn a $20 monthly reward for going to the gym or getting your steps in. Available to members and their dependents.
Marathon Health
New Jersey SHBP and SEHBP members and covered family members have access to a Direct Primary Care doctor’s office with Marathon Health (formerly Everside) with no co-pays, no out of pocket costs, and no changes to your health benefits. Marathon Health doctors provide comprehensive, personalized primary care (both in person and virtually) with a full range of services including preventive care, urgent and sick care, health and wellness coaching, chronic disease management, care coordination, and much more. Other benefits include:
- Same- and next-day sick and urgent appointments
- 24/7 virtual care access with the Marathon mobile app for online scheduling, prescription refills, online messaging, and virtual appointments
- Little to no wait to see your provider
- Onsite labs, medications, and immunizations at no additional cost
Marathon Health offers many convenient locations including:
- Cherry Hill
- Clifton
- Ewing
- Hamilton
- Jersey City
- New Brunswick
- Tom’s River
- Voorhees
- West Orange
- Willingboro
The Direct Primary Care program is available to employees, non-Medicare retirees, and dependents covered under the following SHBP plans:
- Horizon CWA Unity / Aetna Freedom / NJ Direct
- Horizon Omnia / Aetna Liberty Plus Tiered Network Plans
For questions or to get started call 866-808-6005