CWA Members Storm NJ State Health Benefits Commission

Over 100 CWA members packed the house at the State Health Benefits Commission meeting this morning, picketing in front of the meeting and then jamming the audience inside. 

The SHBC heard reports from the state actuary recommending another round of double-digit premium increases for 2027: over 13% for State group and over 22% for local government group. Specific premium increases varied depending on plan and differed between actives and retirees. 

If approved, these premium increases would mark over five years in a row of outsized premium increases, and increases of 150% compounded for local government over that time period. 

CWA demanded greater transparency from insurance carriers around reimbursement rates and claims costs, information that they refuse to disclose to state actuary, auditors, and the employers and employees who pay the bills. Members also called for fast action to implement cost controls, not cost-shifting, to give relief to workers, taxpayers, and public budgets.   

"Groundhog Day comes every July for the SHBP," said Adam Liebtag, CWA 1036 President. "Another round of double digit rate increases and another day where insurance carriers expect workers and employers to pay another rate hike without fully understanding why. Another rate renewal without price transparency so we can predict and control cost increases. Another round where the State is reacting instead of being proactive. We cannot continue to manage this crisis year to year. We have to get tougher on auditing and capping costs like other states have done. Labor has proposed many solutions and we call on the State to work with us before September." 

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