So did you hear about the bill that Senator Gormley and Assemblyman O’Toole introduced?
Their new bill (S-2282/A-3618) makes drastic changes to the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP). Ouch!
The bill calls for a basic healthcare plan for active and retired members in the SHBP known as the “Essential Benefits Plan.” Active members who are in the current SHBP would be placed in this new healthcare plan after the expiration of their current contract and retirees’ in the SHBP would be placed in the new plan after the enactment of this bill into law.
The bill would:
Require a 5% contribution to the basic plan by the employee with riders that the employer would contribute a minimum of 10%.
Require a hospital co-pay not less than $250 per stay and a hospital admission review for any benefit expenditure.
Cap diagnostic testing, wellness and preventive care, and doctor visits for injury and mental illness.
Cover thirty specific items only—employees would have the option of buying additional riders if they want better coverage than the basic plan.
Mandate mail order prescription purchasing.
A CUT IN BENEFITS IS A CUT IN PAY!
Tell Senator Gormley and Asemblyman O’Toole that you oppose this bill! Here’s how:
Go to http://www.njea.org/. Click on Legislative Action/Cyberlobbying and enter your PIN (it’s on your membership card) and password (the last 4 digits of your Social Security number) to log in. You will see an action alert entitled “Don’t get sick!” Click “Take Action” and follow the instructions to send e-mail to Senator Gormley and Assemblyman O’Toole today!
180 West State Street Trenton, NJ 08607-1211 (609)599-4561 http://www.njea.org/
