New Jersey Assembly Bill A5540

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/5/23
• Refer: 6/5/23

Caption

Establishes Health Care Workers COVID-19 Supplemental Benefits Program; appropriates $30 million.

Impact

The bill stipulates that these benefits do not commence until regular workers' compensation benefits, which equal the worker's full salary, are exhausted. This eligibility hinges on workers proving that their illness stemmed from work-related activities during the pandemic, thus ensuring targeted assistance for those who served on the frontlines during the health crisis. Additionally, the funds are appropriated from a federal recovery fund allocated under the American Rescue Plan Act, effectively tying state benefits to broader federal financial support mechanisms.

Summary

Bill A5540 establishes the Health Care Workers COVID-19 Supplemental Benefits Program within the Division of Workers' Compensation under the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This program is designed to provide supplemental benefits to eligible health care workers who contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty, offering compensation equal to 70% of their weekly wages, up to a cap of $1,800. Unlike traditional benefits, the supplemental benefits would kick in only after all full salary-related benefits have ceased, supporting workers unable to work due to illness up to 180 weeks.

Contention

While the bill aims to assist health care workers, potential points of contention may arise around the qualifications for claiming these supplemental benefits and the administrative oversight of the program. A dedicated advisory council will be formed to oversee the program, which could invite discussions on the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation process. Further concerns may also include the allocation of funds and how well the reporting and oversight mechanisms function to ensure that entitlements are adequately met without excessive bureaucracy.