Sets level for healthcare benefits; requires employee contributions; prohibits reimbursement of Medicare Part B; adds member to SHBP/SEHBP plan design committees; requires retirees to purchase health benefits through exchanges; provides subsidies for out-of-pocket costs.

This bill establishes a "gold level" standard for health benefits coverage for New Jersey public employees and retirees, based on federal Affordable Care Act guidelines. It requires public employees to contribute to health benefits costs (with specific percentage thresholds based on income), prohibits reimbursement of Medicare Part B premiums for active employees and certain retirees, and mandates that retirees purchase coverage through health insurance marketplaces. The bill also requires public employers to consider specific cost-saving health care practices in plan design, submit annual reports on their implementation, and provides subsidies for out-of-pocket health care costs. These provisions apply to all state and local government entities, including school boards, county colleges, and public retirement systems, with a three-year transition period for current retirees.