Public employers would pay health premiums for eligible responders and survivors

Covered public employers would pay the full premium for survivors to continue existing insurance or return to their previous coverage. Surviving spouses and children of peace officers and eligible firefighters would be covered. Employers include public governing bodies, county boards, and city councils. The employer must already provide accident or health coverage for its employees. Firefighters qualify when a line-of-duty death benefit is payable, or while that benefit is reasonably expected and a decision is pending. Coverage would not be required for a survivor whose actions substantially contributed to the responder’s death. The coverage period would begin on the date of death and last 24 consecutive months.

Covered public employers would provide accident or health insurance at their expense for eligible firefighters and peace officers. Firefighters and peace officers must be receiving accidental disability benefits—payments for a work-related physical disability or injury. Covered employers are public governing bodies, county boards, and city councils. The employer must already provide coverage for active employees through a union agreement or employer policy. The coverage period would begin on the date of the work-related physical disability or injury and last 24 consecutive months.