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 receive 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. Additionally, there will be no enrollment deadlines or extra eligibility requirements beyond being a recipient of disability insurance.

The bill also clarifies the calculation of disability benefits, stating that they will be 60% of the member's base monthly salary, adjusted for certain periodic benefits but excluding health insurance. It ensures that members receiving disability benefits are treated as if they are in active service for pension purposes during their disability period. Furthermore, it mandates that the insurance company will contribute an amount equal to the employee contribution into the retirement fund, safeguarding the member's retirement benefits. An appeals process is also introduced for disputes between employers, employees, and insurers regarding return-to-work capabilities or related physical examinations.

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