Eligibility
Newton Public Schools
The Newton Board of Education is pleased to extend health benefits to eligible employees and dependents per below.
Dependent Coverage
The Affordable Care Act allows for medical and prescription drug coverage for eligible child dependents (regardless of marital, student, or financial dependency status, residence, or eligibility for health benefits through an employer) until the last day of the year in which he/she reaches age 26.
Dental coverage for dependents ends at the end of the year in which he/she turns age 23.
When your child is about to age out of the medical, prescription, or dental plans, it is important that you notify the Business Office to learn about continuing coverage options such as COBRA, the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace, or the New Jersey Chapter 375 <31 Dependent (DU31) plan.
Newborn children are automatically covered for 60 days from date of birth. To continue coverage beyond the initial 60 days, you must actively enroll your child in the District plans. All other new dependents must be enrolled within 31 days of eligibility.
To continue coverage for a handicapped child, you must provide evidence of incapacity and dependency at least 30 days prior to termination of coverage.
Waiting Period for New Employees
1) 10-month employee with start date of September 1: no waiting period applies
2) 12-month employee with start date of July 1: no waiting period applies
3) 10-month or 12-month employee with start date other than September 1 or July 1: coverage is effective on the first of the month following 60 days of employment
Employees who do not enroll within the applicable timeframe must wait until the next Open Enrollment period to join the District plans.
Life Events and Benefit Changes
Qualifying life events (such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, adoption, or loss of coverage) allows you to adjust your benefit elections. To be eligible for any special enrollment opportunity, you must request the change within 31 days (60 days for a newborn) of the qualifying event. Contact the Business Office for instructions.