>Start of new NJEA prescription drug plan delayed in N.J.
The new labor-management committee charged with creating new health benefit plans for teachers and educators this week delayed implementation of a new prescription drug plan designed to save New Jersey $49 million.
Representatives of the state’s largest teachers union, the New Jersey Education Association, requested extra time to study the matter. Union members want about half of the savings to be used to lower drug co-pays for retirees.
The move came days after union members of another committee, charged with creating health plans for most rank-and-file state and local government workers, also delayed action on the drug plan, which was recommended by the state’s consultant firm, Aon Hewitt. (Method, Gannett)