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 ensures that members who are disabled and receiving benefits under the group disability insurance policy will have access to health care coverage through the School Employees Health Benefit Program (SEHBP) at no cost, with no employee contributions required. Importantly, there will be no enrollment deadlines or additional eligibility criteria beyond being a recipient of disability insurance.

Additionally, the bill outlines the specifics of the group disability benefit coverage, including a benefit calculation of 60% of the member's base monthly salary, with certain reductions for other benefits. It clarifies that the health benefits provided will not affect the amount of disability benefits received and that members will be treated as if they are in active service for pension purposes during their disability. An appeals process is also established for disputes related to the employee's ability to return to work or issues concerning physical examinations, with the State Treasurer overseeing these matters.

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