September 2025 -- Crisis Point: The Future of New Jersey Public Sector Health Benefits

The New Jersey State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP) for Local Governments is in crisis. A May 2025 report from the State Treasurer’s Office warns of a “structurally unstable and financially unsustainable” system, with premium increases projected to reach 60% by 2029. Since 2020, more than 70 local employers have already exited the system. Other public sector plans, including the School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), face a similarly grim outlook.

On September 23, NJ LERA convenes leading voices in public sector labor and health benefits to discuss what public sector unions and public employers must do to navigate the current uncertainty. 

✅  Projected 30–50% premium hikes over the next three years
✅ Depleted reserves and high actuarial value plans (>97% AV)
✅ Political dynamics of the Plan Design Committee
✅ Adverse selection and the loss of low-risk employers
✅ Legislative and policy solutions under consideration
✅ Strategies for small employers facing disproportionate cost increases
✅ What labor and management can do now to protect members and budgets

Program Coordinators:

• Pat Duncan, Special Assistant for Labor Relations at West Windsor - Plainsboro Regional School District
• Tom Predale, Field Representative, NJEA Uniserv

Panelists:

• Michael W. Salerno – Associate Director, Pension and Benefits, NJEA & SEHBP Trustee
• James T. Finn – Senior Vice President, Employee Benefits, Brown & Brown Insurance
• Kevin C. Lyons - Executive Director, New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association, Inc.

DATE:  Tuesday, September 23, 2025
TIME:  5:30 P.M.  Registration and Informal Reception
           6:00 P.M.  Dinner
           7:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.  Program

LOCATION:      Doubletree by Hilton
                         390 Forsgate Drive 
                         Monroe Township, NJ  08831
                         (near NJ Turnpike exit 8A)

You must log in to get the member discount. Or join NJ LERA!

Registration closes 9/19/25 at 5:00 PM.