This bill amends existing laws to extend health care benefits to disabled members of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) and the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) in New Jersey. It establishes that members who become disabled and are receiving disability benefits will be entitled to health care coverage under the School Employees Health Benefit Program (SEHBP), similar to the coverage provided to retirees. Importantly, the bill stipulates that this benefit will be provided at no cost to the members, with no employee contributions required, and there will be no deadlines for enrollment or eligibility requirements beyond being a recipient of disability insurance.

Additionally, the bill outlines the calculation of disability benefits, which will be set at 60% of the member's base monthly salary, with certain reductions for other periodic benefits. It ensures that members receiving these benefits will be considered in active service for pension purposes. The legislation also clarifies that the health benefits provided will not reduce the amount of disability benefits received and establishes an appeals process managed by the State Treasurer for disputes related to the employee's ability to return to work or issues concerning physical examinations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:66-39.1, 43:15A-42.1