Ocean County is set to drop the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP) for all of its eligible active and retired employees, effective January 1, 2027, TLS has learned.
The resolution would end the county’s participation in both the SHBP Medical Plan and Prescription Drug Plan, “thereby cancelling coverage provided by the SHBP for all its eligible active and retired employees.”
In the resolution, the commissioners say the SHBP “has experienced extraordinary rate increases over the last few years,” and that the State of New Jersey “has shown no willingness to assist in controlling the continually increased costs,” leaving “counties and municipalities throughout the State being left with difficult budgetary choices.”…