New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 17 - TREASURY - GENERAL
Chapter 9 - STATE HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM
Subchapter 2 - COVERAGE
Section 17:9-2.10 - Coverage for survivors-death of active employee

(a) For purposes of the continuity of coverage in the event of accidental or ordinary death where the survivors are eligible for periodic pension benefits for life, or until a dependent child is no longer eligible for such benefits, coverage may be extended until such time as the application for such death benefits is formally approved by the Board of Trustees of the retirement system paying the benefit, or by the investment carrier underwriting the individual annuity contracts. If it is not necessary for the Board of Trustees to approve the application, then the application for such benefits will be considered approved when the necessary action has been taken by the Division of Pensions and Benefits, the local retirement system, or the investment carrier.

(b) Unless the employer or the State pays for surviving spouses or surviving eligible domestic or civil union partners, the eligible survivor of the deceased employee must submit personal payments to the health benefits program in order to continue coverage. Once the survivor's annuity begins, the cost of benefits shall be deducted directly from the retirement benefit.

(c) Should coverage lapse through no fault of the survivor, who would be eligible to continue such coverage, retroactive coverage up to one year may be granted provided the payment of charges is made.