Continuing Coverage
Newton Public 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 (x4224) if you have questions about your next step.
COBRA
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue 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, such as a dependent child 'aging out' of District benefits.
Qualified individuals who enroll for coverage may be required to pay the entire premium, up to 102 percent of the plan cost.
The District COBRA administrator is WEX. For information about COBRA, review your plan booklets or visit 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. Review these FAQs or visit state.nj.us for details about the plan.
Retiree Plans
Retirees may have the option to continue District benefits or enroll in the School Employees' Health Benefits Plan (SEHBP) upon retirement. Visit
state.nj.us for 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 medicare.gov for more information.
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace
Find out about continuing coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace at 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 njfamilycare.org or (800) 701-0720.
2024 CHIP Eligibility Notice