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 stipulates that disabled members receiving benefits under the group disability insurance policy will be eligible for health care coverage through the School Employees Health Benefit Program (SEHBP) at no cost, with no employee contributions required. Importantly, there will be no deadlines for enrollment, and the only eligibility requirement is that the individual must be a recipient of disability insurance under TPAF or PERS.

Additionally, the bill outlines the specifics of the group disability benefit coverage, including the calculation of benefits at 60% of the member's base monthly salary, with certain reductions for other benefits. It ensures that the health benefits provided do not diminish the disability benefits received by members and treats them as if they are in active service for pension purposes during their disability. The bill also mandates that the insurance company contribute to the retirement fund while the member is receiving disability benefits and establishes an appeals process for disputes related to the member's ability to return to work.

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