OLYMPIA—Families of Washington law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty will soon have stronger protection from health coverage gaps under legislation sponsored by Rep. Sam Low and signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson.
Under House Bill 2441, surviving spouses, domestic partners and dependent children will be reimbursed for health insurance costs after a line-of-duty death, including Medicare premiums when applicable. The law applies retroactively to 2010 and ensures families receive reimbursement during the state’s eligibility review so they are not forced to pay out of pocket while a determination is pending.
While current law allows surviving family members to continue health coverage through the state’s Public Employees Benefits Board, they are still required to pay Medicare premiums out of pocket and can face months of uncovered costs while the state determines whether a death qualifies as line of duty.
House Bill 2441 addresses that gap.
“When a family loses someone in the line of duty, their world changes overnight. What shouldn’t follow is months of uncertainty about health coverage and out-of-pocket costs,” said Low, R-Lake Stevens. “Lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure the system responds the way surviving families need it to as they grieve and navigate next steps.”
House Bill 2441 was shaped in part by testimony from surviving family members and is supported by the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System Plan 2 Retirement Board, which reviewed gaps in the current system. State estimates indicate about 98 families could benefit from the new law.
The bill passed unanimously in the House and Senate and takes effect June 11.
Source: Washington State House Republicans
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
