Colleagues,
Due to the NPS decision to pull its employees out of the State Health Benefit Plan and into Aetna MORE MEMBERS MAY NOW BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE A WAIVER PAYMENT WORTH UP TO $5,000. This was a benefit the NTU negotiated for you in our 2012 contract and can put up to $5,000 in your pocket, EVERY YEAR!
Previously, due to state law, married employees whose spouse were also in the SEHBP could not opt-in for this waiver benefit. This decision by the NPS changed that for those employees.
Like all provisions of the contract, it’s important for members to USE this benefit to ensure that it remains intact! Opt out by employees shall be done during the open enrollment period (October 1 to November 9) with the change taking effect January 1. However, you can request the health benefits waiver form from Talent Office now to ensure it goes into effect as soon as possible.
Please see the attached information for more information. Feel free to call with any questions or concerns after you have read the attachment.
John M Abeigon
President & Director of Organization
Newark Teachers Union, Local 481, AFT, AFL-CIO