AK SB4002

Expands major medical insurance coverage under the Public Employees' Retirement System to include surviving spouses and dependent children of deceased peace officers and firefighters who are eligible for pension benefits under AS 39.35.430.

Adds dependent children of deceased peace officers or firefighters as eligible for coverage under AS 39.35.880 if they or the surviving spouse are eligible to receive benefits under AS 39.35.892.

Eliminates premium payment requirements for survivors of deceased peace officers and firefighters who are eligible under the new provisions, while maintaining premium obligations for other benefit recipients based on age and years of service.

Extends medical benefits for survivors until the last day of the month in which there is no surviving spouse and no dependent child, notwithstanding other benefit termination provisions.

Makes the bill retroactive to January 1, 2013, with an effective date of January 1, 2017.