The basics:
- Sherrill creates State Health Benefits Program Reform Working Group
- SHBP includes unions, healthcare groups, vendors and public employers
- Group will examine rising costs, structural challenges in health benefits
- First meeting scheduled for Oct. 16, with implementation planning in 2027
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced Oct. 1 the creation of the State Health Benefits Program Reform Working Group, fulfilling a commitment to 17 unions representing state employees.
The working group will bring together representatives for the state, participating unions, and stakeholders with relevant healthcare and program expertise.
The participants will embark on a review of structural challenges. SHBP will have to face and figure out how to develop concrete, evidence-backed recommendations for making high-quality health benefits more affordable and sustainable.
“From Day One, I have been focused on making New Jersey more affordable, and that means tackling hard problems instead of kicking them down the road,” Sherrill said.
The working group will develop recommendations for Sherrill on how to operate efficiently and effectively.
“Rising healthcare costs affect public employees and retirees, the local governments and schools that serve our communities, and taxpayers across the state. For too long, New Jersey has responded to one rate cycle at a time,” Sherrill said. “We are taking a different approach by bringing stakeholders together, working from shared data, and pursuing long-term changes that preserve high-quality benefits while making these programs more affordable and sustainable. I appreciate everyone’s willingness to come to the table ready to problem solve.”
New Jersey Chief Operating Officer Kellie Doucette will lead the working group. It will also include other representatives of state government, as well as these organizations listed below:
Labor and employee groups
- AFSCME New Jersey Council 63
- AFT New Jersey
- Communications Workers of America District 1
- Council of New Jersey State College Locals
- IBEW Local Union 30
- IBEW Local Union 33
- IFPTE Local 195
- Local 32BJ MVI Division
- New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice PBA Local 383
- New Jersey Investigators Association, FOP Lodge 174
- New Jersey Law Enforcement Supervisors Association
- New Jersey PBA Local 105
- New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association
- New Jersey State Troopers Non-Commissioned Officers Association
- New Jersey State Troopers Superior Officers Association
- New Jersey Superior Officers Association
- State Law Enforcement Unit
- Health Professionals and Allied Employees
- New Jersey AFL-CIO
- New Jersey Firefighters’ Mutual Benevolent Association
- New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police
- New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association
- Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey
- Rutgers AAUP-AFT
- Teamsters Joint Council 73
Healthcare associations
- New Jersey Association of Health Plans
- New Jersey Hospital Association
- Hospital Collaborative of New Jersey
- Medical Society of New Jersey
- New Jersey State Nurses Association
- New Jersey Primary Care Association
Current program vendors
- Aetna
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
- Optum Rx
Public-employer collectives
- New Jersey Association of Counties
- New Jersey Association of School Administrators
- New Jersey Conference of Mayors
- New Jersey Council of County Colleges
- New Jersey State League of Municipalities
- New Jersey School Boards Association
- New Jersey Urban Mayors Association
Legislative offices
- Assembly Majority Office
- Assembly Republican Office
- Senate Majority Office
- Senate Republican Office
“The challenges facing public employee health benefits demand that same approach. We look forward to working collaboratively to build a road map for systemic reform, using all of the levers available to us and focusing not just on the what but on the how,” Doucette said. “Understanding that a plan for implementation is as important as the recommendations themselves.
“It is the only way to get the measurable results that employees, employers, and taxpayers deserve.”
The working group will hold its first meeting Oct. 16. It will meet regularly thereafter to develop and prioritize recommendations for the governor. Detailed design and implementation planning will continue in 2027.
Social shoutout:
Thanks for the offer, @mcuban! I appreciate your innovative work in this space as we bring all ideas to the table.
No more kicking the can down the road in New Jersey. I want accountability and results.
We’d love to have you on Team Jersey as we tackle this challenge. Let’s talk – we’ll reach out today!
— Governor Mikie Sherrill (@GovSherrillNJ) October 5, 2026
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