Health insurance rates are increasing dramatically every year, causing a growing concern for school districts and public school educators. We currently have access to plans that remain affordable to us because we pay a percentage of our salary instead of a percentage of the premium. But huge annual premium increases are draining district budgets, threatening jobs, and making bargaining harder, which ultimately hurts all of us.
When Ch. 44 passed in 2020, it provided school employees with the option of health insurance based on salary, not premium. But that law expires at the end of 2027 – less than 2 years from now – and we will be back at the table negotiating health benefits at a time when health care costs are escalating rapidly. That will create a bargaining and health insurance crisis if we don’t act decisively before then.
Please check out the resources below to learn more.
TAKE ACTION
A CALL TO BE PROACTIVE:
New Jersey’s Growing
Health Insurance Dilemma
10-Minute Meeting
Consider hosting a 10-minute meeting to educate members about New Jersey’s escalating health insurance crisis and the direct consequences for public educators. User the materials below to communicate the urgent need for collective action to find solutions before Ch. 44 expires.
