Panels approve new health plans for New Jersey workers

Associated Press — Public employees in New Jersey will now have more choices when selecting health insurance. But they will also have to pay a higher percentage of plan costs.

Two panels have approved 15 plans with rates that still must be approved by a state commission.

 

Under reforms pushed through by Gov. Chris Christie, public employees will pay between 2.25 percent and 17.5 percent of their premiums depending on salaries. The new plans include some low-cost options to help offset the required higher employee contribution rates.

The state also has applied for a $90 million federal program to cover part of the state’s costs for retiree prescription plans. The money is part of President Barack Obama’s health care reform.