April 21, 2008
Joyce Wilson Harley, Esq., Administrator
County of Essex
Hall of Records
Newark, NJ, 07102
Re: Health Insurance Opt Out
Dr. Ms. Wilson Harley:
In yet another example of our Union’s never ending quest to promote prudent pecuniary policies for the County of Essex, while concurrently lessening the adverse contractual fiscal exposure for our members, CWA Local 1081 respectfully submits this proposal the Administration offer the option to employees of the County of Essex to maintain health insurance coverage for themselves through other health coverage options, such as insurance available through a spouse’s job, while being paid a one-time amount from the County for agreeing to forgo County coverage. The matter need be negotiated, of course.
As per the attached article of February 14, 2008, as published within the Asbury Park Press, New Jersey State Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) “is working on a proposal to let the state pay employees to opt out of their state-sponsored health coverage.” “Sweeney said Gloucester County, where he is freeholder director, offers workers between $1,500 and $3,600, depending on the size of their families, to decline the county health coverage. He said 246 workers accepted the payments last year, costing the county $935,000 compared to $5.3 million their health insurance would have cost.”
Sincerely,
David H. Weiner, President, CWA Local 1081
C: Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders