NJ State Assembly Bill A3044 (Post Retirement Medical Benefits)

This petition is to show support for New Jersey State Assembly Bill A3044. Assembly Bill A3044 amends Chapter 330 of P.L. 1997 to address the rising cost of "post retirement medical benefits" for members of PFRS (Police and Firemen's Retirement System), and law enforcement officer retirees from PERS (Public Employees Retirement System); which are covered with direct deductions from the retiree's pensions. Chapter 330 was signed into law by Governor Whitman to provide a "safety net" for eligible municipal and county employees, who are not provided health care benefits upon retirement from their employment. Unfortunately, the fast rising cost of health benefits has virtually pulled the safety net out from under our law enforcement and firefighter retirees. Assembly Bill A3044 addresses the problem. We the undersigned would greatly appreciate your support for New Jersey State Assembly Bill A3044 and request the Assembly State Government Committee consider the bill as soon as possible. We understand that the bill will address the spiraling cost of health benefits as it affects law enforcement and firefighter retirees. The amendment to Chapter 330 of P.L. 1997 would provide for cost coverage of 80\% of NJ Plus or 80\% of the benefit cost of the HMO they choose; this, for retirees who could neither negotiate for health benefits nor afford to make drastic changes in their coverage as they age.