Bill would provide health coverage after officers die or become disabled

A surviving spouse would receive health benefits after a full-time officer dies in the line of duty. Eligible dependents could receive benefits until age 26 only if they are not eligible for another employer-sponsored health plan. The death provisions also apply to a surviving spouse widowed before this section takes effect. An equal or better collective bargaining agreement would govern instead. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment. All benefits under this section would stop when the recipient reaches age 65, despite the separate lifetime coverage language.

A full-time officer disabled in a work-related accident, and the officer’s spouse, would receive health benefits. Eligible dependents could receive benefits until age 26 only if they are not eligible for another employer-sponsored health plan. An equal or better collective bargaining agreement would govern instead. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment. All benefits under this section would stop when the recipient reaches age 65, despite the separate lifetime coverage language.

A municipality would help a surviving spouse navigate benefit claims and payments. The municipality is a county, city, borough, incorporated town, or township. The employing police department, Pennsylvania Department of General Services, or federal Bureau of Justice Assistance may make the death determination. If an investigation is needed to decide whether an officer died in the line of duty, the officer’s existing health benefits would continue during the investigation. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.