EMPLOYER PENSIONS AND BENEFITS
INFORMATION CONNECTION (EPIC)
EPIC E-Mail Messages — 2013
| MESSAGE
TOPIC |
DATE |
| CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER - New Application on MBOS - Purchase Estimate Calculator - Certifying Officers |
June 19, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER - Alternate Benefit Program Default Investment Provider - Certifying Officers, State and County Colleges and Universities |
June 6, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER - Pension Contribution Rate Change for the PERS and TPAF - Certifying Officers of the Public Employees' Retirement System and Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund |
May 28, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER - Health Benefit Contribution Rate Changes for State Employees - State Biweekly and State Monthly Certifying Officers |
May 28, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER - Pension and Health Benefit Contribution Rate Changes for the JRS - Certifying Officers of the Judicial Retirement System (JRS) |
May 28, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER - Health Benefit Contribution Rate Changes for Certain Judiciary
Employees - State Judiciary Certifying Officers |
May 28, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER - Health Benefit Contribution Rate Changes for Local Government and Local Education Employees - Certifying Officers of Local Government and Local Education Employers Participating in the SHBP/SEHBP |
May 28, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER - Closure of ABP Pre-1995 Annuity Contracts - Certifying Officers, State and County Colleges and Universities |
May 16, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING
OFFICER LETTER - Ten-Month Employee Policy - Reminder - SHBP/SEHBP Participating Certifying Officers |
May 10, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING
OFFICER LETTER - Part-time Coverage – System Update for Prescription Coverage - Certifying Officers and Supervisors of Certifying Officers of SHBP/SEHBP Employers with Participating Part-time Employees |
March 26, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING
OFFICER LETTER - Annual Membership Certification Required under Chapter 52, P.L. 2011 - Certifying Officers and Supervisors of Certifying Officers |
March 14, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING
OFFICER LETTER - State Representative Elected to the PERS Board of Trustees - Certifying Officers of the Public Employees' Retirement System |
March 5, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING
OFFICER LETTER - Municipal Representative Elected to the PERS Board of Trustees - Certifying Officers of the Public Employees' Retirement System |
March 5, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER - ABP & ACTS Common Remitter Services - Certifying Officers, State and County Colleges and Universities |
February 26, 2013 |
| E-MAIL MESSAGE AND ATTACHMENT - Required Notices to SHBP/SEHBP Enrollees - Updated for 2013 - State Biweekly and State Monthly Certifying Officers, Local Government and Local Education Certifying Officers participating in the SHBP and SEHBP |
February 7, 2013 |
| E-MAIL MESSAGE - Employer Pension Training Seminar - Local Government and Local Education Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators |
February 4, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER - Final Request – Transition to Retirement Programs and Rescinding ABP Retirement - Certifying Officers, State and County Colleges and Universities |
January 24, 2013 |
| CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER - Professional Services Contracts and Review of PERS Enrollment - Certifying Officers of Local Government/Education Employers participating in the PERS and DCRP |
January 18, 2013 |
| E-MAIL MESSAGE - New Web Site Resource – Online Guide to Retirement - Employers and Members of the New Jersey Retirement Systems |
January 18, 2013 |
| E-MAIL MESSAGE - Employer Pension Training Seminars - Local Government and Local Education Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators |
January 16, 2013 |
| E-MAIL MESSAGE - New Application in EPIC - Health Benefits Year End Cost Report - Employers participating in the SHBP and SEHBP |
January 3, 2013 |
CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — June 19, 2013
TO: Certifying Officers
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: New Application on MBOS - Purchase Estimate Calculator
The attached Certifying Officer Letter is being issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce the online Purchase Calculator — a new application available to your employees through the Member Benefits Online System (MBOS) that can accurately estimate the cost of a purchase of additional service credit.
the online Purchase Calculator identifies the employee through pension membership; uses the salary information posted to the member’s pension account; calculates both shared-cost purchases (Former Membership, Leave of Absence,
etc.) and full-cost purchases (Military, US Government, etc.); and is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week on MBOS.
Additional information for your employees about the online Purchase Calculator and how to register for MBOS is provided with this letter.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER
Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees.
The letter and attachments are in PDF format and require Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF files, links to this Certifying Officer Letter and past letters can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — June 6, 2013
TO: Certifying Officers, State and County Colleges and Universities
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: Alternate Benefit Program Default Investment Provider
The attached Certifying Officer Letter is being issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC) as the Alternate Benefit Program (ABP) default investment provider for the coming fiscal year — July 1, 2013 thru June 30, 2014.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER
Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of ABP benefits for your employees.
The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 28, 2013
TO: Certifying Officers of the Public Employees' Retirement System and Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: Pension Contribution Rate Change for the PERS and TPAF
The attached Certifying
Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits as notification of the PERS and TPAF member contribution change effective July 2013 pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 78, P.L. 2011 — the Pension and Health Benefits Reform Law.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER
Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees.
The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 28, 2013
TO: State Biweekly and State Monthly Certifying Officers
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: Health Benefit Contribution Rate Changes for State Employees
The attached Certifying
Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits as notification of the Health Benefits Percentage of Premium Contribution change effective July 2013 pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 78, P.L. 2011 — the Pension and Health Benefits Reform Law.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER
Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of health benefits for your employees.
The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 28, 2013
TO: Certifying Officers of the Judicial Retirement System (JRS)
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: Pension and Health Benefit Contribution Rate Changes for the JRS
The attached Certifying
Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits as notification of the JRS pension contribution change and Health Benefits Percentage of Premium Contribution change effective July 2013 pursuant to Article VI, Section VI, Paragraph 6 of the New Jersey Constitution, as
authorized under Chapter 78, P.L. 2011 — the Pension and Health Benefits Reform Law.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER
Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension and health benefits for your employees.
The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 28, 2013
TO: State Judiciary Certifying Officers
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: Health Benefit Contribution Rate Changes for Certain Judiciary
Employees
The attached Certifying
Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits as notification of the Health Benefits Percentage of Premium Contribution change for certain State Judiciary employees effective July 2013 pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 78, P.L. 2011 — the Pension and Health Benefits Reform Law.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER
Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of health benefits for your employees.
The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 28, 2013
TO: Certifying Officers of Local Government and Local Education Employers Participating in the SHBP/SEHBP
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: Health Benefit Contribution Rate Changes for Local Government and Local Education Employees
The attached Certifying
Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits as notification of the Health Benefits Percentage of Premium Contribution change effective for some Local Government or Local Education employees as of July 2013 and pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 78, P.L. 2011 — the Pension and Health Benefits Reform Law.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER
Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of health benefits for your employees.
The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 16, 2013
TO: Certifying Officers, State and County Colleges and Universities
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: Closure of ABP Pre-1995 Annuity Contracts
The attached Certifying Officer Letter is being issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce the closure of Alternate Benefit Program (ABP) pre-1995 annuity contracts — which result from the publication to the New Jersey Administrative Code of final rules relating to the ABP (N.J.A.C. 17:7).
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER
Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of ABP benefits for your employees.
The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER
LETTER — May 10, 2013
TO: SHBP/SEHBP Participating Certifying Officers
FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: Ten-Month Employee Policy – Reminder
The attached Certifying
Officer Letter has been issued to SHBP/SEHBP employers as a reminder of the existing policy for the effective dates of SHBP/SEHBP coverage as it applies to 10-month employees.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE
Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of health benefits for employees.
The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to Certifying Officer Letters can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
PLEASE NOTE: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER
LETTER — March 26, 2013
TO: Certifying Officers and Supervisors of Certifying Officers of SHBP/SEHBP Employers with Participating Part-time Employees
FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: Part-time Coverage – System Update for Prescription Coverage
The attached Certifying
Officer Letter has been issued to SHBP/SEHBP employers with covered part-time employees regarding a recently completed system update for prescription drug coverage through the SHBP/SEHBP health plans.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE
Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of health benefits for employees.
The letter and attachment are in PDF format and require Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF files, links to Certifying Officer Letters can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
PLEASE NOTE: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER
LETTER — March 14, 2013
TO: Certifying Officers and Supervisors of Certifying Officers
FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: Annual Membership Certification Required under Chapter 52, P.L. 2011
The attached Certifying
Officer Letter has been issued to announce that the Chapter 52 Annual Membership Certification online application is now available to employers in the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC).
Chapter 52, P.L. 2011, (N.J.S.A. 43:3C-15) requires that both the Certifying Officer and the immediate Supervisor of the Certifying Officer receive training in enrollments and annually certify for each member of the retirement system, that the enrolled person is eligible for membership in the retirement system in accordance with the statutes and regulations of the retirement system.
IMMEDIATE EMPLOYER ACTION IS REQUIRED
With the completion of programming, the Chapter 52 Annual Membership Certification is now due from employers. The designated and trained Certifying Officer and Supervisor of the Certifying Officer are both required to complete the Chapter 52 Annual Membership Certification within 30 days of receipt of this letter. Failure to comply with the certification requirement will prevent the Division from accepting any new enrollment applications from the employing location until the certifications are completed.
The "Chapter 52 Certification" button will be available when the Certifying Officer or the Supervisor of the Certifying Officer logs on to EPIC. Specific instructions on using the Chapter 52 Annual Membership Certification online application are contained in the Certifying Officer Letter.
CERTIFYING ENROLLMENTS
Certifying Officers and Supervisors of Certifying Officers should verify that all training in enrollments, as required under Chapter 52, has been completed and that all enrolled persons are eligible for membership in the retirement system in accordance with the statutes and regulations of the retirement system prior to certification (please also refer to the Certifying Officer Letter of January 18, 2013, Professional Services Contracts and Review of PERS Enrollment).
The attached letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to Certifying Officer Letters can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER
LETTER — March 5, 2013
TO: Certifying Officers of the Public Employees' Retirement System
FROM: Public Employees' Retirement System Board of Trustees
SUBJECT: State Representative Elected to the Public Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees
The attached Certifying
Officer Letter Adobe PDF (50K) has been issued by the PERS Board of Trustees to announce the election of Thomas Bruno to a three year term, effective July 1, 2013, as the State Representative to the PERS Board of Trustees.
The PERS Board of Trustees requests that the attached letter be prominently posted in your workplace as official notice to PERS State employees of the election results.
Additional information about the 2013 PERS Board of Trustee Elections is available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/pers-board-election.shtml
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER
Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees.
The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER
LETTER — March 5, 2013
TO: Certifying Officers of the Public Employees' Retirement System
FROM: Public Employees' Retirement System Board of Trustees
SUBJECT: Municipal Representative Elected to the Public Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees
The attached Certifying
Officer Letter Adobe PDF (50K) has been issued by the PERS Board of Trustees to announce the election of Benjamin "Max" Hurst to a three year term, effective July 1, 2013, as the Municipal Representative to the PERS Board of Trustees.
The PERS Board of Trustees requests that the attached letter be prominently posted in your workplace as official notice to PERS municipal employees of the election results.
Additional information about the 2013 PERS Board of Trustee Elections is available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/pers-board-election.shtml
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER
Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees.
The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — February 26, 2013
TO: Certifying Officers, State and County Colleges and Universities
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: ABP & ACTS Common Remitter Services
The attached Certifying Officer Letter is being issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to announce the launch of ING’s Common Remitter services for
participants in the New Jersey Alternate Benefit Program (ABP) and Additional
Contributions Tax-Sheltered Program (ACTS).
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER
Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of ABP and ACTS benefits for your employees.
The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — February 7, 2013
TO: State Biweekly and State Monthly Certifying Officers, Local Government and Local Education Certifying Officers participating in the SHBP and SEHBP
FROM: The New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: Required Notices to SHBP/SEHBP Enrollees - Updated for 2013
Attached to this message you will find the annual update to the Required Notices to SHBP/SEHBP Enrollees Adobe PDF (261K).
- Federal law mandates that employers provide information about certain pieces of legislation to employees and their dependents upon enrollment in the employer’s group health insurance and at other specific times. This includes initial notice concerning the COBRA program; notice of federal HIPAA Privacy requirements; the certificate of group plan coverage; and notice of premium assistance through Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs, and notice of the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program.
- New Jersey State law requires notice of coverage available to over age children under the provisions of Chapter 375, P.L. 2005.
The attached document provides everything employers need to comply with
the notification requirements.
PLEASE NOTE that the Division has revised and expanded the distribution instructions to address questions that have been received from employers regarding the proper completion of their role in this required distribution.
The notice is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader
which is available free from Adobe at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
Future access to the Notice is accessible from the Forms Index of the Employers’ Pensions & Benefits Administration Manual (EPBAM), which is linked directly from the blue navigation bar at the top of most pages of our Web site: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/
At the top of the Forms Index, select the link to the SHBP/SEHBP section where you will find the notices linked as “COBRA/HIPAA Required Notice.”
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE
Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of health benefits for employees.
Current and archived E-Mail Messages are also available for viewing on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
PLEASE NOTE: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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E-MAIL MESSAGE — February 4, 2013
TO: Local Government and Local Education Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits, Employer Education Unit
SUBJECT: EMPLOYER PENSION TRAINING SEMINAR
The Division of Pensions and Benefits has openings available for upcoming Employer Pension Training Seminars for Certifying Officers and other personnel responsible for the administration of pension and benefits at employing locations.
INTERNET REPORT OF CONTRIBUTIONS (IROC) TRAINING
Friday, February 8, 2013 — 10:00 A.M.
This employer training is designed for anyone in payroll or benefit administration who is responsible for completing the quarterly pension Internet Report of Contributions or IROC. Whether you are brand new or a seasoned veteran, we are sure that you will benefit from this training. Enrollment is limited. Please keep in mind that this is NOT a substitute for the enrollment training required by Chapter 52 P.L. 2011.
This class is held at the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (Hamilton, N.J.)
Register at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml
ADDITIONAL DATES AND TRAINING TOPICS
Additional seminar dates and a wide range of employer training topics are available. For a complete list of training classes, webinars, and available dates visit the Division of Pensions and Benefits’ Employer Training Web page at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE
Certifying Officers should forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees.
Current and archived E-Mail Messages are also available for viewing on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — January 24, 2013
TO: Certifying Officers, State and County Colleges and Universities
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: FINAL REQUEST – TRANSITION TO RETIREMENT PROGRAMS AND RESCINDING ABP RETIREMENT
The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits regarding the discontinuation of "Transition to Retirement" programs and required corrective measures to be taken with regard to employees who had elected to participate in such programs.
The letter is an update to a topic that was previously addressed in the Certifying Officer Letters of July 1, 2011, May 9, 2012, and October 11, 2012.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER
Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff, Benefits Administrators, and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees and/or retirees.
The letter and attachment are in PDF format and require Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF files, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — January 18, 2013
TO: Certifying Officers of Local Government/Education Employers participating in the PERS and DCRP
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS AND REVIEW OF PERS ENROLLMENT
The attached Certifying Officer Letter, and included Fact Sheet and Checklist, have been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to address instances of improper enrollment in the retirement system — as identified in the recent report from the Office of the State Comptroller — of individuals working as independent contractors or under Professional Services Contracts.
- The letter explains the legislative history of retirement system ineligibility for independent contractors and individuals performing “professional services”, and describes the IMMEDIATE ACTIONS THAT EMPLOYERS MUST TAKE to review the proper enrollment status of these individuals. Please note that a response is required no later than February 15, 2013.
- The accompanying fact sheet addresses the specific differences between an employee and an independent contractor/professional services provider, as defined under both New Jersey Statute and the “20-Factor Test” of the Internal Revenue Service.
- The checklist form is provided to assist employers in making an initial determination of whether the individual is an employee for purposes of retirement system eligibility, and to properly identify independent contractors and other individuals providing “professional
services” who are ineligible.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER
Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff and any other staff members responsible for administration of retirement system enrollment of your employees.
The letter and attachments are in PDF format and require Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm
If you cannot open the attached PDF files, links to this Certifying Officer Letter, past letters, and e-mail messages can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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E-MAIL MESSAGE — January 18, 2013
TO: Employers and Members of the New Jersey Retirement Systems
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
SUBJECT: NEW WEB SITE RESOURCE – ONLINE GUIDE TO RETIREMENT
The Division of Pensions and Benefits is pleased to announce a new retirement planning resource available to members of the New Jersey State-administered Retirement Systems* — the Online Guide to Retirement.
Available through the Division of Pensions and Benefits Web site, the Online Guide to Retirement is an on-demand, interactive learning environment that includes everything about the retirement process you would learn in a retirement workshop or counseling interview.
The Online Guide to Retirement features:
- Direct 24/7 access from the Division of Pensions and Benefits Web site.
Go to: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/retirement/
- New video presentations that show you the important things you need to know about any retirement-related topic.
- Easy navigation that lets you move at your own pace through the entire guide or go back and forth between topics.
- Fact sheets, forms, and links to retirement resources that provide you with the most in depth information.
The Online Guide to Retirement is a time saving, easy-to-use resource when you or your employees are ready to retire — or if even just thinking about retirement in the near future.
Try out the Online Guide to Retirement today and refer your employees to the guide at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/retirement/
An announcement flier Adobe PDF (23K) with access information is included with this e-message. Please distribute or post this information for your employees.
*The Online Guide to Retirement is currently available to members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System and the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund. An Online Guide to Retirement for members of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System is expected to be available in a few weeks.
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE
Please advise your employees of the availability of this new online resource.
Certifying Officers should also forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees.
Current and archived E-Mail Messages are also available for viewing on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
Attachment: Retirement Guide Announcement Flier Adobe PDF (23K)
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E-MAIL MESSAGE — January 16, 2013
TO: Local Government and Local Education Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators
FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits, Employer Education Unit
SUBJECT: EMPLOYER PENSION TRAINING SEMINARS
The Division of Pensions and Benefits has openings available for upcoming Employer Pension Training Seminars for Certifying Officers and other personnel responsible for the administration of pension and benefits at employing locations.
SEMINAR FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYERS
PENSION PROCESSING 202 — EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 — 10:00 A.M.
A classroom session that provides training on the employer’s responsibility in the pension and benefit process including purchase of service credit, loans, retirement, health benefits and death claims and how to use the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) for these tasks. Also presented is a brief overview of the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP).
This class is held at the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (Hamilton, N.J.)
Register at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml
SEMINAR FOR LOCAL EDUCATION EMPLOYERS
PENSION PROCESSING 201 — EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
Friday, January 25, 2013 — 10:00 A.M.
A classroom session that provides training on the employer’s responsibility in the pension and benefit process including purchase of service credit, loans, retirement, health benefits and death claims and how to use the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) for these tasks. Also presented is a brief overview of the School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP).
This class is held at the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (Hamilton, N.J.)
Register at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml
ADDITIONAL DATES AND TRAINING TOPICS
Additional seminar dates and a wide range of employer training topics are available. For a complete list of training classes, webinars, and available dates visit the Division of Pensions and Benefits’ Employer Training Web page at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE
Certifying Officers should forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees.
Current and archived E-Mail Messages are also available for viewing on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtml
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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E-MAIL MESSAGE — January 3, 2013
TO: Local Government, Local Education, and State Monthly Employers Participating in the SHBP and SEHBP
FROM: The Division of Pensions and Benefits, Health Benefits Financial
SUBJECT: NEW APPLICATION IN EPIC — HEALTH BENEFITS YEAR END COST REPORT FOR 2012 W-2 REPORTING OF GROUP HEALTH COVERAGE
The Division of Pensions and Benefits is pleased to announce that a new Health Benefits Year End Cost Report is available to employers through the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC).
This report is being provided to aid employers who are required under the Affordable Care Act to report on IRS Form W-2 the estimated value of the health insurance coverage provided to employees under the employer’s group health plan. The report will be available to employers who provide coverage through the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) or the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (SEHBP). The Health Benefits Year End Cost Report provides employers with secure access to the information. The report will be updated annually. Please see IRS notice 2012-9 at http://www.irs.gov/ for detailed information on the reporting requirements.
Once the Health Benefits Year End Cost Report is assigned to EPIC users at your location (see instructions below), it is available along with the Health Benefits Alpha and Activity Reports. When the “Year End Report” button is selected, the report will open and display the employee’s name, SSN, and the total health coverage and/or prescription drug cost for 2012 for each employee enrolled under the employer in the SHBP or SEHBP.
Additional information about using EPIC applications is available in the EPIC User’s Guide at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epickit.htm A link to the EPIC User’s Guide is also found on the EPIC home page.
ASSIGNING ACCESS TO NEW EPIC APPLICATIONS
Please make sure that employees who require access to this report have the appropriate EPIC access. The designated Certifying Officer must assign access to new EPIC applications to users registered through your employing location. For detailed information about how to assign access to new applications, see the EPIC Security help pages at:
http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-security.htm
A link to the EPIC Security information is also found in the table of contents of the EPIC User’s Guide.
It is also important to keep the EPIC security access of your employees up-to-date — and be sure to terminate access for those employees who leave your employment or whose duties change and who no longer require EPIC access.
If you experience problems logging onto or using EPIC, you may e-mail the EPIC Help Desk at:
https://www.state.nj.us/treas/pensions/epicmail.shtml or call for EPIC Help through the Division’s Employer Education Unit at (609) 292-7524.
Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC.
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