Public sector workers in New Jersey may not have the lower cost benefits packages intended by recent reforms as of the upcoming state open enrollment.
Governor Chris Christie and state Senate President Stephen Sweeney have made efforts to create money-saving initiatives and retool existing insurance plans before the deadline. With little time left to overhaul the system – the enrollment deadline is October 1 – the previous plans may stay intact.
"Well, what's going to happen is we'll just keep the plans that we have and we'll go by the grids that we have and there won't be many options for workers to choose to try to reduce their costs," Sweeny said.
The state is trying to save taxpayers money on public employee benefits by reducing health insurance premiums, but despite efforts to create new plans, there have been delays in formation and disagreements between lawmakers. As no new legislation has been passed and no healthcare solution has been formed, union-based employees may face higher premium contributions due to benefits reform measures.
Many states and school districts have realized healthcare plan savings through streamlining and alternative measures such as HSAs and third-party administrators.
