Health Benefits
Last Content Update:
On January 23, 2023 the Governing Body’s voted to modify the health benefits carrier for the employees of the Borough of Madison (Resolution 59-2023 & Resolution 60-2023).
Please be advised that effective March 31, 2023, the Borough will be withdrawing from the New Jersey State Health Benefits Plan and effective April 1, 2023, your health benefits will be provided by the North Jersey Municipal Employee Benefits Fund (HIF) administered by Aetna. The health benefits provided by the new health benefits carrier will also be compliant with the requirements set forth in the collective negotiations agreements between the Borough of Madison and its bargaining units.
Additional information, regarding enrollment, will be provided in the coming weeks.
Register to attend an enrollment meeting here.
Frequently Asked Questions
NJSHBP announced late last year that insurance costs would be going up over 20% for 2023. Since then, administration has been working to find ways that we can provide the health care benefits to the employees at a lower cost. Moving to the HIF will reduce the cost increase for each employee.
Madison was a member of the HIF for years and left in 2011 when NJSHBP was providing better options. Since then, we have continued our dental plans with the HIF and have been pleased with the service provided.
Coverage will be through Aetna and equal to or better than your existing coverage.
Aetna is accepted by Summit Health and Atlantic Health, as well as a large majority of providers in the area. Employees are encouraged to see if their provider(s) are covered by using the Aetna "is my doctor covered" search tool. Directions can be found here.
No worries! The HIF will work with employees who are in pre-existing treatment plans on a case-by-case basis to ensure that your coverage is considered "in-network".
Employees who have used their insurance already this year are encouraged to hold onto their Explanation of Benefits (EOB) so that any deductibles paid through 3/31/2023 are carried over to the new carrier.
Open enrollment meetings will take place the week of February 6.
In-person meetings will occur on Tuesday, February 7 and Thursday, February 9 at 10:30am and 1:00pm. A virtual session will take place on Wednesday, February 8 at 7:00pm for for employees on shift schedules and/or employees who are not in the office on the in-person session dates.
Please register to attend a session here.
Coverage with NJSHBP will remain the same until 3/31/2023.
Madison retirees will be able to purchase plans through the HIF, just as they were able to through the NJSHBP and pay 100% of the premium cost directly.
Employees are encouraged to talk to their department head/supervisor about these changes and any questions.