As we have been reporting, the New Jersey School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission (Commission) has been unable to approve the NJ Plan Year 2027 premium rates for active employees participating in the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (SEHBP). After deadlocked votes on July 27th, August 19th, and September 3rd, 2026, the Commission is scheduled to vote again on September 28th.
Will There Be an NJ SEHBP Plan in 2027?
While the deferred approval has already confirmed delays for open enrollment, the more significant issue is the State’s warning. If the Commission fails to approve Plan Year 2027 premium rates on September 28th, SEHBP will not be an available option for employers to provide health benefits beginning January 1, 2027. Employers should begin evaluating alternative benefit options and consult their own legal counsel regarding any potential implications for their IRC Section 125 cafeteria plans.
Organizations participating in the SEHBP should start considering potential changes to their 2027 health benefit strategy. If you would like to explore available options or discuss how Benecard can provide support, contact Richard Van Noord, Vice President of Sales, at Richard.VanNoord@benecard.com or (609) 651-5412.
Benecard will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new information on the SEHBP 2027 rate actions becomes available.
Sources:
SEHBP Financial Challenges Persist Amid Unresolved Premium Rate Decisions – Benecard:
State of NJ – Department of the Treasury – NJDPB | Certifying Officer Letters:
- Webpage: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/pensions/co-letters.shtml (click 2026 drop-down menu to view 9/18/2026 letter from website)
- PDF of Letter: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/pensions/documents/coltrs/coltr0926-SEHBP-PY27-Rates.pdf
NJ Treasury – Division of Pensions & Benefits
https://www.nj.gov/treasury/pensions
Plan Year 2027 Rate Renewal Reports:
