Pensions & Health Benefits

NJEA believes that the mainstay of a secure retirement is the defined benefit pension plan. In New Jersey, teachers and educational support professionals contribute a percentage of their salary and receive credit for the time they serve public school students in a pension plan that provides a guaranteed income in retirement. This is deferred compensation that members earn as part of their compensation package.

Providing quality health benefits for public school employees does not just benefit the employee and their families; they are also critical to protecting students’ health.

Post-retirement medical benefits are another element of an employee’s deferred compensation.

On July 1, 2020, Governor Murphy signed NJEA’s long-sought Ch. 78 relief plan into law. P.L. 2020, ch. 44, will lower the cost of health insurance for school employees while also lowering costs for school districts.

FREE NEW BENEFIT FOR SEHBP MEMBERS

Direct Primary Care

Now you can get access to direct primary care doctors at no cost.

Direct Primary Care Information for NJEA Members

  • No co-pays, deductibles or other out-of-pocket costs
  • Available to members and their eligible family members
  • Same or next day appointments for urgent needs
  • Limited to no time in the waiting rooms
  • One-stop shop for lab work, immunizations, and more
  • Unlimited access to your personal doctor including 24/7 care, convenient in-person appointments, phone appointments, and online access
  • No changes necessary to your insurance plan

Direct Primary Care Providers

The New Jersey State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) offer employees and their covered dependents the opportunity to join a Direct Primary Care doctor's office at no additional cost. This is available as part of the Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and does not require any changes to your health insurance. Simply choose a Direct Primary Care doctor from Everside Health or Sanitas Medical Centers and get unlimited access to personalized care with no copays, when and where it's convenient for you. Direct Primary Care doctors provide a full range of services including preventative, urgent, and sick care, health and wellness coaching, chronic disease management, and care coordination.

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Member Retirement Planning

Thinking of retiring? NJEA and the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits both provide many opportunities to help members with their retirement planning.