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 disabled members receiving benefits under the group disability insurance policy will be entitled to health care coverage under the School Employees Health Benefit Program (SEHBP) at no cost, with no employee contributions required. Importantly, there will be no enrollment deadline or additional eligibility requirements beyond being a recipient of disability insurance. The bill also clarifies that the health benefits provided will not reduce the amount of disability benefits received by these members.

Additionally, the bill outlines the calculation of disability benefits, which will be set at 60% of the member's base monthly salary, and specifies the responsibilities of the State Treasurer in managing the associated funds. It ensures that members receiving disability benefits will be treated as if they are in active service for pension purposes during their disability period. An appeals process is also introduced for disputes between employers, employees, and insurers regarding the employee's ability to return to work or issues related to physical examinations.

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