Aetna will be available as a choice for New Jersey’s State Health Benefits Program and School Employees’ Health Benefits Program, effective July 1, ROI-NJ has learned.
During a special open enrollment in April, nearly 600,000 members will have the option to choose Aetna for access to a comprehensive network of providers and the integrated assets with CVS Health.
All active, eligible employees and their dependents for their medical coverage will be able to select Aetna, among a number of choices.
Steve Schaper, senior vice president, commercial and specialty markets, at Aetna, was thrilled by the news.
“As a New Jersey native and lifelong resident, I’m proud that SHBP and SEHBP members will have access to quality, affordable and convenient health care through our comprehensive network of primary care physicians, mental health providers, specialists and hospitals,” he said.
“Our innovative health care solutions will deliver an outstanding health care experience for employees and their dependents.”
Aetna already has a proud history serving the health care needs of New Jersey’s state employees and their dependents. The company’s Medicare Advantage program provides health care coverage to more than 200,000 retirees, Aetna officials said. Its dental plan provides approximately 300,000 state employees, retirees and dependents with comprehensive dental coverage.
Jason Tompkins, Aetna’s president for the Northeast Region, said the company is eager to be an option.
“We’re here to provide the health care state employees need to keep New Jersey running,” he said. “We will provide access to care for our hardworking New Jersey teachers, state employees and their dependents by connecting them to the services and support they need for every type of health care moment, simply and affordably.”
Aetna, a CVS Health business, serves an estimated 36 million people, offering a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental and behavioral health plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers’ compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services.
