Police union leader says health benefits plan lacks stability

New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association President Peter Andreyev said the latest report on the State Health Benefits Plan showed “ongoing challenges” with the plan’s cost projections.

Andreyev’s statement said the plan’s cost projections have fallen short and led to a “significant financial impact” on the union’s membership.

“The findings by the State’s actuary reveal a troubling pattern of underestimated costs, which places an additional financial burden on our NJSPBA membership,” Andreyev said in a release. “It is unacceptable that the proposed solutions continue to shift costs onto employees without addressing the main issues surrounding the NJ State Health Benefits Plan’s failure to address exorbitant drug and hospital expenses.”

Andreyev said the report showed an “unchecked escalation” in service costs. He said the union is ready to work with the Legislature to ensure the “financial sustainability” of the plan.

Correction: A prior version of this article incorrectly used a photo of New Jersey State Police officers, who are not represented by the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association.