Federal Employee Short-Term Disability Insurance Act of 2024
Impact
If enacted, this legislation would amend Title 5 of the United States Code by implementing a new chapter that outlines the provisions for non-work-related short-term disability insurance. This would include establishing eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, and the administrative framework for the insurance policy. The bill specifies that benefits provided will offset other income sources, like workers' compensation, thus ensuring that employees do not gain excess financial advantages from multiple benefits. Importantly, contracts for these benefits must not contain exclusions for preexisting conditions, making coverage accessible to all eligible employees.
Summary
House Bill 7337, titled the 'Federal Employee Short-Term Disability Insurance Act of 2024,' aims to establish a short-term disability insurance program specifically for federal employees. The program would protect employees from the loss of income due to non-work-related injuries or disabilities, as well as during family-related leaves such as the birth or adoption of a child. The intention is to provide a safety net for federal employees facing such circumstances, ensuring they have financial support during times of need.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding HB 7337 is the preemption of state laws regarding disability insurance. The bill includes clauses that would allow federal contracts to supersede any state, local, or tribal laws that could restrict the implementation of the federal insurance program. This could lead to disputes regarding the authority of states to regulate insurance matters and the benefits available to employees, raising concerns about the implications for state autonomy in managing such regulations. Further discussions may focus on the program's sustainability and the fiscal responsibilities imposed on the federal government to administer these benefits.
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