The New Jersey Department of the Treasury recently released a report on the Local Government segment of the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP-LG). Although it did not directly address the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), which includes many members of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), implications suggest potential changes to public employee health benefits.
The report proposes measures to stabilize these benefits, but none aim to reduce healthcare costs or hold accountable insurance companies, brokers, hospitals, or pharmaceutical firms for rising expenses. Instead, it suggests transferring these costs onto workers already burdened by existing healthcare expenses. The NJEA views this as an attempt by officials to protect profits at the expense of public employees.
According to NJEA, "the report was released without any notice to, or discussion with, the commissions that oversee the health plans," and unions were not briefed in advance. The association describes this as a "sneak attack" on public employee health benefits and criticizes language like “death spiral” used in the report.
While no legislation has been introduced based on these recommendations yet, NJEA urges its members to contact Governor Phil Murphy and legislators with a message: "HANDS OFF OUR HEALTH CARE!"
NJEA expresses willingness to collaborate with state authorities on reforming SEHBP and improving healthcare value and transparency for all New Jersey families. However, they oppose any cost-shifting onto their members. They advocate for increased transparency regarding hospital and pharmaceutical charges and protecting public healthcare plans from exploitative practices by insurance brokers.
Additionally, NJEA highlights the importance of electing Sean Spiller as governor. They believe he will prioritize families over pharmaceutical interests and challenge the healthcare lobby for greater transparency.
For more information about volunteering for Sean Spiller's campaign or reading related reports and statements from NJEA officers condemning corporate priorities over worker health can be found through their provided links.
