City of Plainfield v. State Health Benefits Commission

The opinion of the court was delivered by

BAIME, J.A.D.

This appeal presents questions of first impression under the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program Act (N.J.S.A. 52:14-17.25 through -17.45). Under the Act, public employers may purchase medical-hospitalization insurance coverage for their employees through the State Health Benefits Commission. N.J.S.A. 52:14-17.28; N.J.S.A. 52:14-17.37. Participating employers may choose to pay the premiums of eligible retired employees to the Division of Pensions. N.J.S.A. 52:14-17.38. In addition, public employers may, but need not, extend benefits…