New Jersey Senate Bill SCR61

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Constitutes special committee of Senate and General Assembly entitled "New Jersey Public Employee Health Care Program Costs Investigation Committee."

Impact

The resolution highlights significant issues regarding state health care costs and the operations of public employee health programs. The investigation will delve into the contracts negotiated with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, which are intended to lower costs but have also sparked concerns about the management and oversight of such agreements. Additionally, the committee will look into possible interventions by the Governor's Office that may have influenced how these contracts and disputes were managed, particularly related to a halt in a $34 million contract dispute.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 61, or SCR61, establishes a special committee named the 'New Jersey Public Employee Health Care Program Costs Investigation Committee.' This committee is tasked with investigating the recent increases in premiums and charges associated with the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program. Concerns have been raised regarding these increases and the reasoning behind them, which the committee aims to clarify through its investigations.

Contention

Notably, the establishment of this committee stems from allegations that there may have been undue pressure applied by the Governor's Office that resulted in the Department of the Treasury not pursuing necessary negotiations or investigations into the increases in health care costs. The committee will also assess the implementation of prior legislation (P.L.2019, c.143) which pertains to health care program fund management and oversight. The potential for governmental accountability and the transparency of administrative processes will be closely examined as part of this investigation.