The Township of Lumberton currently provides certain health benefits to permanent full-time employees in accordance with Chapter
46 of the Code of the Township of Lumberton. Since the cost of health benefits has continued to rise at a greater rate than inflation, the Township of Lumberton has incurred large expenses in attempting to meet these costs. In addition, certain employees of the municipality are eligible for coverage through their spouses, resulting in some employees having double coverage which is underutilized based upon the cost incurred. This article would permit certain employees to participate in a buyback program which would allow those employees to voluntarily select the health benefits that best suit their individual needs. In addition, by voluntarily declining certain or all of the health benefits accorded that employee by the municipality, he or she will be eligible for additional compensation due to the cost savings which the municipality and its taxpayers incur.