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North Haledon council approves exit from State Health Benefits Program, authorizes broker to arrange replacement coverage
Summary
The North Haledon Borough Council approved terminating participation in the State Health Benefits Program and authorized hiring a broker to secure replacement health insurance and HRA services, with new coverage targeted for Jan. 1, 2026; the resolution requires notifications to active employees, retirees and COBRA participants.
The Borough of North Haledon voted Oct. 15 to terminate its participation in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and to task the mayor with securing replacement employee health coverage and a health reimbursement account (HRA) administrator.
The council adopted the termination as part of Consent Agenda CA#10-2025. The resolution says the borough will cancel SHBP coverage for active and retired employees and that the New Jersey Division of Pensions & Benefits will notify retired employees; COBRA participants will be notified and advised on alternative options. The termination takes effect the first of the month following a 60-day period beginning when the State Health Benefits Commission receives the borough’s resolution.
Separately, the council authorized a resolution to appoint a licensed insurance broker of record and to enter agreements for health insurance and HRA services effective Jan. 1, 2026. That resolution directs the mayor to take the steps necessary to ensure replacement benefits are “equal to or better than the level of benefits previously provided,” consistent with applicable collective bargaining agreements.
The action affects all active and retired borough employees covered by SHBP and starts a process that will require outreach and administrative steps by the borough and by the state. The minutes do not record public comment on the change or a detailed funding analysis in the meeting record.
Authorities cited in the meeting minutes include N.J.S.A. 52:14-17.25 et seq. (SHBP statutory authority). The minutes show the council approved the termination without recorded debate and folded it into the consent agenda vote that adopted multiple resolutions at once.
