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Pinelands committee to explore alternatives as state health plan faces steep increases
Summary
Committee members raised alarms about sharp cost increases in the state health benefits plan and asked staff to explore alternative options for the commission's roughly 66 employees; staff noted the commission is treated as a local employer for benefits, which could mean higher cost increases than for state employees.
Committee members told staff they want expedited analysis of health-benefits alternatives after concerns about the New Jersey state health benefits program.
Unidentified Speaker 6 opened the discussion, citing a rapidly deteriorating state plan and asking, "Are we currently in a position to look at that also for our 66 employees that we have?" Sue replied staff have been talking about alternatives and will explore options, noting the commission is "not considered a state entity. We're considered a local," which affects employer costs.
Members expressed urgency. One member warned the commission should act quickly because other municipalities already have changed plans and rates for locals may increase "two or three times" faster than for state employees. An Ocean County Utilities Authority member offered to share his agency's experience and the group agreed the committee could devote time at its October meeting to review options.
No formal action or vote on benefits changes occurred; members directed staff to investigate alternatives, evaluate potential vendor presentations, and report back.
