FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Nathaniel Styer | Communications Director
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SOLOMON ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES FORMAL AUDIT OF HEALTH INSURANCE CLAIMS
City Contracts Independent Auditor to Investigate Potential Overbilling by Previous Health Insurance Administrator; Horizon Legally Obligated to Cooperate and Repay Any Identified Overpayments
JERSEY CITY, NJ (March 17, 2026) — Mayor James Solomon today announced that the City of Jersey City has contracted with an independent outside firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of all health insurance claims paid by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield during its tenure as the City's third-party health insurance administrator.
"The previous administration underbudgeted and delayed $52 million in healthcare bills and never once asked where all that money was going,"
said Mayor James Solomon. "We believe there is significant money owed to Jersey City taxpayers. We intend to get it back. The previous administration paid whatever Horizon billed, year after year, with no scrutiny and no audit. That era of financial indifference is over."
The audit is being conducted as part of Finance Director Bill Viqueira’s work to professionalize and install stricter financial oversight over the City’s budget. Under the terms of its contract with the City, Horizon is legally required to cooperate fully with the audit and to repay any amounts identified as improperly paid.
The City has already made the transition from Horizon to Aetna as its health insurance administrator, effective this year, a switch projected to reduce spending by approximately $30 million annually while maintaining or improving benefits for City employees. The claims audit covers payments made under the prior Horizon contract and is expected to be completed within approximately two months.
The Solomon Administration will release the audit’s findings and recovery amounts when available.