Establishes fringe benefit rate for State public higher education institutions; requires employer pay for health care benefits for certain part-time faculty.
Impact
One of the significant impacts of S3177 is its provision for part-time faculty, who will now be eligible for health care benefits under specified conditions. This includes part-time lecturers and adjunct faculty who satisfy teaching requirements across fiscal years, which represents a shift in how part-time faculty are recognized in state regulations. Previously, such faculty faced difficulties accessing health care benefits, and the new provisions aim to alleviate this issue by asserting their eligibility based on their teaching load and positions across multiple semesters and sessions.
Summary
Senate Bill S3177 aims to establish a separate fringe benefit rate for State public higher education institutions in New Jersey starting from the fiscal year 2023. The bill requires that the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting create a rate that accurately reflects the actual costs associated with employee retirement programs for these institutions. This rate will be applicable to all federal, dedicated, and non-State funded programs, addressing significant disparities in the current system where fringe rates do not adequately serve public higher education employees.
Contention
However, there may be contention regarding the implementation and funding of these provisions. Critics might be concerned about the implications for the state budget and the financial responsibilities of institutions, especially if the rates set do not adequately cover the increased costs of health care benefits for part-time faculty. Furthermore, while this bill expands benefits, there might be discussions regarding the equitable allocation of costs between state institutions and their employees.
Additional_notes
The bill also includes guidelines for the State Health Benefits Commission to establish billing rules for eligible faculty and ensure that a fair process is followed for enrollment in health care programs. It seeks to provide continuity in coverage for faculty members who meet the teaching criteria set forth within the bill.
Same As
Establishes fringe benefit rate for State public higher education institutions; requires employer pay for health care benefits for certain part-time faculty.
Carry Over
Establishes fringe benefit rate for State public higher education institutions; requires employer pay for health care benefits for certain part-time faculty.
Carry Over
Establishes fringe benefit rate for State public higher education institutions; requires employer pay for health care benefits for certain part-time faculty.
Establishes fringe benefit rate for State public higher education institutions; requires employer pay for health care benefits for certain part-time faculty.
Establishes fringe benefit rate for State public higher education institutions; requires employer pay for health care benefits for certain part-time faculty.
Establishes fringe benefit rate for State public higher education institutions; requires employer pay for health care benefits for certain part-time faculty.
Establishes minimum student to employee ratio for calculating State support for employee fringe benefit costs at four-year public institutions of higher education.
Provides that healthcare benefits plan, fully or partly paid by public employer, cannot cover public employee's spouse who is subject of divorce from bed and board.
Sets level for healthcare benefits; requires employee contributions; prohibits reimbursement of Medicare Part B; adds member to SHBP/SEHBP plan design committees; requires retirees to purchase health benefits through exchanges; provides subsidies for out-of-pocket costs.