Provides that where an active or retired police officer dies by suicide and is enrolled in a health insurance plan, the surviving dependents of such police officer shall be entitled to such health insurance coverage for ninety days following such police officer's death.
Impact
The passage of this bill would significantly impact existing laws governing health insurance for police officers and their families under New York’s civil service regulations. By extending health insurance benefits for a specified period following a police officer's suicide, the bill acknowledges the unique challenges faced by these families and may alleviate some immediate financial stressors related to health care during a period of grief. It positions the state as taking active steps to support not only law enforcement personnel but also their families in times of crisis.
Summary
Bill S08443 seeks to amend the administrative code of New York City and the civil service law regarding health insurance coverage for surviving dependents of police officers who die by suicide. The legislation stipulates that both active and retired police officers enrolled in a health insurance plan will allow their surviving spouse or domestic partner, along with dependents, to receive health insurance coverage for ninety days following the police officer’s death due to suicide. This initiative aims to provide support and resources to families during a particularly challenging and often tragic time.
Contention
Key points of contention surrounding Bill S08443 may involve the larger conversation about mental health, suicide prevention, and the responsibilities of the police department towards its members. Some may argue that while the bill addresses a critical need, it does not sufficiently tackle the underlying issues of mental health within the police force, advocating for a more proactive approach that includes counseling and support services. Furthermore, there may be discussions on whether the bill provides adequate coverage or if there should be additional provisions or longer coverage periods, reflecting a broader concern for the wellbeing of police officers and their families.
Same As
Provides that where an active or retired police officer dies by suicide and is enrolled in a health insurance plan, the surviving dependents of such police officer shall be entitled to such health insurance coverage for ninety days following such police officer's death.
Requires health and motor vehicle insurance policies to notify policyholders of cancellation, discontinuance or major changes to their policy via email and to offer paperless notification upon the issuance of such policies.
Requires property/casualty insurance policies to state the types and causes of damage that are covered by such policy; requires such information to be provided at or near the beginning of such policy.
Requires property/casualty insurance policies to state the types and causes of damage that are covered by such policy; requires such information to be provided at or near the beginning of such policy.
Allows retired state police officers to serve as police officers for local police departments without diminution of retirement benefits; empowers the superintendent of state police to approve such service.
Allows retired state police officers to serve as police officers for local police departments without diminution of retirement benefits; empowers the superintendent of state police to approve such service.
Requires insurers offering renewal of certain Medicare supplemental insurance policies or providing notification of a change in premiums of such policies to notify policyholders of the availability of policies offered by such insurer with similar benefits at a comparable premium or the ability of such policyholder to purchase a different policy without the pre-existing condition waiting period; applies to policies for which such insurers no longer accept new contracts but continue to renew for existing policyholders.