Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed A-5039, which revises P.L.2024, c.86 to require the Division of Pensions and Benefits (DPB) to report to the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) the claims payable, available fund balance, and anticipated premiums for the local part of the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) prior to transferring funds from the State part of SHBP to the local Government Employer Group. Beginning 30 days after the bill’s effective date, the bill also would require the DPB to provide monthly reports to the Commission concerning the funds available in both the State and local parts of the SHBP, including cash balances, claims costs incurred, and premiums collected.
The Governor’s suggested amendments would require the DPB to notify the State Treasurer and the Commission on the 15th of each month in which a transfer pursuant to the law is made or anticipated. The amendments also require a monthly accounting of any transfers initiated in the prior 30 days, the outstanding balances of all transfers, any repayments for past transfers received, and the current balance of the local health benefits funds.
The Senate has a voting session on February 25 and the Assembly has a voting session on February 27. We will report if they accept the Governor’s suggestions.
Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.