NJ S2655

Survivors of public safety employees who die on duty or within 24 hours of going off duty may apply for reimbursement of the first six months of COBRA health coverage costs from the State Treasurer.

Eligible public safety employees include State, county, and municipal law enforcement officers, paid or volunteer firefighters, first aid and rescue squad members, and correctional officers.

Dependents must apply by March 1 each year for COBRA coverage costs from the preceding calendar year, and must have been covered by the State Health Benefits Program or employer coverage at the time of the employee's death.

$750,000 is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Treasury for implementation, with reimbursements allocated pro rata if applications exceed available funding.

The bill preserves dependents' eligibility for the full 36-month COBRA coverage term while providing financial relief for the initial six-month period.