Study of Disability Idea Included

The committee-passed measure calls for a study of the short-term disability insurance concept by GAO to be produced within a year of the bill’s enactment date—if it is enacted. The bill seeks a study of the "feasibility and desirability" of providing an insurance benefit offering partial or total wage replacement for periods of caring for a spouse, son, daughter or parent having a serious health condition, or for the employee’s own health condition that prevents the employee from his or her job duties. The report would examine the policies of the private sector and other levels of government, including the portion of pay typically replaced, waiting periods, whether employee coverage is automatic or optional, and how costs are split between the employer and the enrollee.