TOP NEWS
NJ-American Planning Association seeks community feedback on health, quality-of-life, and planning priorities across several municipalities in an online survey. Responses will inform planning policies, programs, and investments to improve health equity outcomes in Flemington, Freehold, Hamilton, Holland, Middletown, Montclair, Newton, Passaic, South Bound Brook, and Union. The survey is part of a Plan4HealthNJ grant, which is a statewide initiative led by NJ-American Planning Association. It is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole, among others.
American Planning Association New Jersey (APANJ)
New Jersey’s health insurance market’s plan premiums will increase by an average of 19.8% in 2027, according to the state Department of Banking and Insurance. Rate increases will go in effect for insurance carriers serving the individual market, including Get Covered New Jersey. Premiums will increase by 35.7% under UnitedHealthcare, 29.3% under Oscar, 20.8% under Ambetter from WellCare of New Jersey, 17% under AmeriHealth, and 15.3% under Horizon. Open enrollment for 2027 is from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31.
News12 New Jersey
Geico has overcharged N.J. customers $10.5 million for car insurance, according to an investigation by the state Department of Banking and Insurance. Between June 2023 and May 2024, Geico had charged rates higher than approved, canceled policies for improper reasons, failed to include required language on notices, and failed to inform policyholders of their rights. New Jersey issued a $1.2 million fine against Geico for improper business practices affected more than 15,000 policyholders. Geico has also been refunding N.J. customers premiums they were overcharged, according to the state. People can file formal complaints against any insurance company online or by calling the state’s hotline at 800-446-7467 or 609-292-7272.
New Jersey Monitor
There are five new all-terrain wheelchairs at N.J. state parks and historic sites, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. Wheelchairs are now available at Island Beach State Park in Ocean County; Liberty State Park in Hudson County; Waterloo Village Historic Site in Warren County; Round Valley Recreation Area in Hunterdon County; and and Parvin State Park in Salem County.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Rep. LaMonica McIver requested a rehearing of her criminal case before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. The request comes after the appeals court dismissed McIver’s attempt to have criminal charges against her dismissed. McIver has pleaded not guilty to federal charges accusing her of assaulting and interfering with immigration officers outside of Newark’s Delaney Hall in May. That day, McIver, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Reps. Rob Menendez and Bonnie Watson Coleman were trying to gain access to Delaney Hall to conduct an oversight inspection. A federal grand jury then indicted, or formally accused, McIver for assaulting, resisting, impeding, and interfering with federal officers, according to court documents. McIver faces up to 17 years in prison if convicted.
NJ Spotlight News
