Employees or their dependents covered by the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) who lose coverage may be able to continue health benefits coverage under COBRA.
When Benefits Coverage Ends
Employees who terminate employment will have their coverage terminated the first of the month immediately following termination.
For example, Employees who terminate employment from January 1 – January 31 will have their coverage end on February 1.
Note: 10- or 12-month members who retire employment on July 1 will have their coverage terminated on August 1.
COBRA-Qualifying Events
You may be eligible to apply for COBRA if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Cut back in working hours
- Leave of absence
- End of employment (except for gross misconduct)
- Divorce or end of partnership
- Dependent child turns age 26
- Death of the employee or retiree
COBRA Rates
For information on COBRA Rates, view the COBRA page within New Jersey’s Division of Pensions and Benefits website.
COBRA Rates
- COBRA – Medical & Prescription Plan Rates (PDF)
- COBRA – Dental Plan Rates (PDF)
- COBRA – Part-Time Employee Rates (PDF)
How to Apply for COBRA
To enroll in COBRA the dependent must return the paper package with their elections to BenefitSolver for processing. Once we have the elections, we will set up their COBRA accounts, and then they can make their payments and view their coverage online.
Should you have any questions about COBRA, our COBRA service center is ready to help you at 833–929–1101, Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Employees who at retirement are eligible to enroll in SHBP or SEHBP Retired Group coverage cannot enroll in COBRA.