Previous Story
New Fund requirements on disability benefits in effect
|
Posted on Feb 03 2009
The NMI Retirement Fund now requires members applying for disability benefits to undergo reasonable examination by two licensed and practicing physicians selected by the board of trustees.
At least one of these two examining physicians should be a specialist in the area of disability being examined, according to newly amended Retirement Fund regulations implementing Public Law 16-19.
Previously, Fund members needed to be examined by one license physician or vocational rehabilitation experts or other experts selected by the administrator.
Fund administrator Mark Aguon said yesterday the amended regulations are now in effect following the closure of the comment period on Jan. 22.
The Fund received only one comment which did not relate to the proposed amendment to the regulations published in the December issue of the Commonwealth Register.
The amended regulations provide for comprehensive policy and procedures for members applying for disability benefits and the requirements.
According to the amended regulations, the Fund administration shall have the right to investigate the member’s disability and submit any information gathered from an investigation to a licensed physician or a specialist to determine a member’s initial or continuing entitlement to a disability annuity.
If any examination indicates that the disability annuitant is no longer physically or mentally incapacitated for service, or that the disability annuitant is engaged in or is able to engage in a gainful occupation, payment of the disability annuity by the Fund shall be discontinued.
