Frequently Asked Questions
Newton Public Schools
What health plans are available to me as an eligible Board of Education employee?
The District currently offers medical plans through Aetna and Horizon OMNIA; the plans are administered by the Schools Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Our prescription carrier is Rx Alliance / Benecard; our dental carrier is Delta Dental. Visit the Plan Options page to find overviews for available plans.
What is the "health waiver" option?
The health waiver, sometimes called a "cash-in-lieu-of-benefits" option, offers flexibility in creating a personalized package of benefits. This option is an alternative to selecting health care coverage through the District, but is available only to employees with other health coverage. For example, if you have coverage through your spouse's employer, you may be eligible to receive cash instead of the District's health coverage. If you lose your other coverage and are eligible, you can immediately enroll in the District plan by completing an enrollment form and providing documentation of eligibility.
If you have questions about this option, visit the Waiver Option page or contact the Business Office for information.
When can I make changes to my plan?
You can make changes to your plan at Open Enrollment (Spring of each year). However, if your family experiences a life change (such as marriage, adoption, birth, or death), you can change your plan at that time. It is important to notify the Business Office immediately via email / x4224 when such an event occurs.
How can I add new dependents to my plan?
When an important event occurs in your life, such as marriage or adoption, you have up to 30 days to make changes to your health plan (60 days for the birth of a child). It is important to enroll your new dependent within the given window or you may need to wait until the next Open Enrollment period.
To make a smooth and timely change, complete the appropriate enrollment forms and forward to the Business Office immediately after the event.
What are the rules for dependents who "age out"?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides for medical and prescription coverage through the District for your eligible dependent through the end of the year in which he/she turns to age 26. Dental coverage for your dependent child typically ends at the end of the year in which he/she turns age 23.
You must notify the District when your dependent is no longer eligible for coverage or he/she could forfeit rights to continuing coverage options. Children no longer covered by your plan may be eligible to continue coverage under COBRA, the ACA, or the New Jersey Chapter 375 (<31 Dependent) plan (see below). Refer to the Continuing Coverage page for details.
What is the "Dependent <31" (DU31) plan?
The New Jersey Chapter 375 (Dependent <31) plan gives eligible adults to age 31 the choice to elect health and/or prescription coverage under a parent's group health plan. Visit the Chapter 375 (<31 Dependent) Plan page for information.
Where can I find a list of providers that participate in my plan? Our carriers provide helpful search tools to help you locate primary doctors, specialists, facilities, and others that participate in your plan:
Aetna
Horizon OMNIA
Delta Dental
Where can I get help if I have questions about claims or benefits?
If you have questions about your plans, visit the Get Help page for help reaching our carriers via toll-free phone numbers, online services,, or email. You can find help with questions about your benefits, providers, claims, and more. Be sure to have ID cards and birth dates handy.
How can I find out about mail-order pharmacy?
When you order your prescriptions for maintenance drugs via Benecard Central Fill, a licensed pharmacy fills and delivers your prescriptions to your home. Also known as "mail service pharmacy", mail-order pharmacy saves you time and money with fewer trips to the pharmacy--and you can usually fill your prescription drugs for up to a three-month supply at a time.
Get started by contacting Benecard / Rx Alliance at (877) 723-6005, online at benecardpbf.com, or by mailing the Mail Service Form with your original prescription.
How can I find out about COBRA benefits?
If a qualifying event occurs, you and your enrolled dependents may be eligible to continue benefits under COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985).
You must notify the Business Office via email / x4224 within 60 days of a divorce, legal separation, or when a child no longer qualifies as a dependent in order to learn your options. For more details on COBRA, visit the Continuing Coverage page or refer to your plan booklet.