Employees of the Brick Municipal Utilities Authority say they were not notified before the board approved a new health insurance plan that they believe will reduce benefits and increase uncertainty about medical coverage.
Employees at the Brick Municipal Utilities Authority are voicing concerns after the agency’s board approved a change to its employee health insurance plan during its June 24 meeting, with several workers alleging they were not informed before the vote took place.
According to a resolution adopted by the authority, the board renewed Acrisure LLC, doing business as IMAC Insurance Agency, as its broker of record and accepted Cigna Healthcare rates presented by the broker while authorizing participation in the Cigna Open Access Plus In-Network Incentive Program.
Employees say they were not notified before vote
In a letter shared with Shore News Network, employees said they learned of the decision only after it had been approved by the board.
“This decision was approved without prior notification to employees, without meaningful input from the workforce that relies on these benefits, and without giving all employees the opportunity to voice concerns before the vote took place,” the letter states.
Employees said the change has created uncertainty for workers and their families regarding physician networks, access to specialists, hospitals, and potential out-of-pocket medical costs.
“Many employees are now facing uncertainty about whether their physicians will remain in-network, whether they will incur higher out-of-pocket costs, or whether they will have to delay or change medical care altogether,” the letter states.
Workers seek explanation from authority
The employees emphasized that their concerns extend beyond the insurance carrier itself and focus on how the decision was made.
“The issue is not just the insurance provider itself, but the process by which this decision was made,” the letter states. “Employees should have been informed, provided with clear comparisons between the plans, and given an opportunity to ask questions before a vote was taken.”
The letter asks the Brick MUA Board to explain why the insurance change was made, what alternatives were considered, and how employee concerns will be addressed moving forward.
“We as employees feel deeply disrespected,” the letter concludes. “What was done is unfair and not morally right.”
Shore News Network has reached out to the Brick Municipal Utilities Authority for comment regarding the employees’ concerns and the reasons for the plan change. This story will be updated if a response is received.
Key Points
• Brick MUA employees say the board approved a new employee health insurance plan without notifying workers before the vote.
• Employees say they are concerned about potential changes to provider networks, medical costs, and access to care.
• Workers are asking the authority to publicly explain the decision and how it will affect employee benefits.
