Sen. Ingwersen introduces bill to offer long-term disability insurance to state employees

AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, introduced a bill to offer long-term disability insurance coverage to Maine state employees through the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). The bill LD 1152, “An Act to Make Long-term Disability Insurance Coverage Available to Public Employees,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Committee on Labor and Housing.

“My passion for this topic and my desire to see change stems from my time as a public school teacher,” said Sen. Ingwersen. “My friend and colleague was suffering the after-effects of nerve damage from an operation in the middle of a successful teaching career. Despite constant and excruciating pain, he did not qualify for disability and was forced to continue to work, often resting on a cot between classes. He finally could not work anymore, despite still not receiving disability from MainePERS. The consequences of this lack of coverage were severe to say the least. I am hopeful that this bill will protect state employees, so that no one has to endure what my friend and his family had to.”

LD 1152 would require MainePERS to offer long-term disability insurance coverage. It would also require employers to provide the coverage at employers’ expense to members of the system and certain employees who participate in MainePERS defined contribution plan or to provide substantially equivalent coverage obtained from another source.

Jeff McCabe, Director of Politics and Legislation at Maine Service Employees Association, SEIU Local 1989 testified in support of the bill.

“What is proposed in LD 1152 is long overdue,” said McCabe. “This is a benefit that will strengthen efficiencies for MainePERS, help workers who are facing life-changing illnesses avoid potential financial ruin, and help with recruitment and retention within MainePERS.”

Michael J. Crouse, President of Professional Fire Fighters of Maine, also testified in support of the bill.

“MainePERS has improved their process, but despite the changes that have been instituted the time factors are still too long for most Maine families to financially survive,” said Crouse. “The provision of disability coverage provided by LD 1152 is a safety net for these families.”

The bill faces further action in committee.

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