State Health Insurance Plan; provide benefits to surviving spouse/dependent of law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty.
Impact
The implementation of SB2206 will amend existing state law to include these specific provisions for health coverage. Surviving spouses will be eligible for benefits until they remarry or qualify for Medicare, while surviving dependents can retain coverage until they reach the age of 26. This legislative initiative highlights Mississippi's recognition of the challenges faced by families of fallen law enforcement officers and aims to ease their financial burdens during a difficult time.
Summary
Senate Bill 2206 aims to provide health insurance benefits under the State and School Employees Health Insurance Plan to the surviving spouses and dependents of law enforcement officers who are killed in the line of duty or die from injuries suffered in the line of duty. The bill ensures that these beneficiaries receive the same level of benefits available to active employees, signifying a commitment to support the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. Importantly, the state will cover 100% of the premium costs for such coverage.
Contention
While the bill is generally seen as a positive step towards honoring law enforcement officers and supporting their families, it does raise questions around the state's obligations towards its public employees and the sustainability of such insurance provisions in the long term. Concerns may arise regarding the financial implications for the State and School Employees Health Insurance Plan as it expands coverage to include surviving families. As this bill progresses, it will be important to monitor responses from different stakeholders who may be affected, including law enforcement agencies and fiscal oversight bodies.
Provides for continuation of the weekly death benefit for the surviving spouse of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty upon remarriage. (8/1/20) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG EX)