Iowa House Bill HF913

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/25
• Refer: 3/11/25

Caption

A bill for an act providing for the continuation of health insurance in certain circumstances for the surviving spouse and each surviving child of employees of the state of Iowa and including retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 112; See HF 1016.)

Impact

The retroactive applicability of the bill to January 1, 2024, demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding the welfare of families of deceased state employees. While the state is not mandated to cover the costs, it is specified that the surviving spouse and children will have the opportunity to elect continuation of their insurance coverage by covering any unpaid portion. This could alleviate a potential financial burden on families during the grieving process, ensuring they maintain access to necessary health services.

Summary

House File 913 aims to provide continued health insurance coverage for the surviving spouse and children of state employees in specific circumstances. The bill defines 'eligible employee' as anyone working for the state of Iowa who is enrolled in a state health insurance plan at their time of death due to a traumatic injury sustained while performing work duties. This bill is particularly focused on ensuring that families of employees who have died in the line of duty are not left without health coverage during a critical time.

Contention

However, the bill does contain stipulations that may raise concerns among some stakeholders. Notably, it does not require the state to pay for the health insurance costs if it is not feasible for them to do so. Furthermore, a clause states that if the surviving spouse or child is found to have played a role in the employee's death, they may forfeit their right to continued coverage. These provisions may lead to debates regarding the definitions of eligibility and responsibility, drawing critiques about the fairness of such terms in emotionally and financially burdened circumstances.