New Jersey’s Growing Health Insurance Crisis

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. NJEA is working with the Legislature on S4438/A5285, a bill that will help control costs while preserving high-quality affordable health insurance for school employees.

Below you can take action to help move that bill and see resources to learn more about this critical issue.