On Wednesday, the Plan Design Committee held its September Meeting. They announced that the State Health Benefits Open Enrollment period will begin on October 1 and postcards have been mailed and emails sent to the current enrollees. Information has not yet been posted on the Division’s website.
Horizon presented their Transparency Tool Demo to search for doctors, and specialists, negotiated costs for specific procedures, and average costs for procedures. Both Horizon and Aetna provided an update on changes to their behavioral health networks.
The Labor appointees on the board noted their disappointment with the 16% Plan Year 2025 increase for the Local Government Employee Group and expressed hopes that new proposals could be acted on earlier in the year to provide downward pressure on rates. They further noted that information provided by the state’s actuary is lacking in specifics and they want the process to improve for Plan Year 2026 and beyond.
Lastly, the League is hosting a How to Choose a Health Benefits Plan Lunch and Learn on October 7 at noon. Kevin Lyons, Legal Protection Plan Administrator & Health Benefits Coordinator for New Jersey State PBA, will guide you through the process of reviewing and selecting a health benefit plan for open enrollment. He will explain how to compare different plans, understand the terminology used, and make the best choice for your needs. The webinar is free with advanced registration.
Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.