IN HB1044

Public safety employees (firefighters, police officers, county police, sheriffs) with Class 1 or Class 2 impairment disability benefits who became disabled on or after January 1, 2020, may now enroll themselves, spouses, and dependents in group health insurance at the same premium rate as active employees rather than paying full employer-plus-employee costs.

Eligible disabled employees must file a written request for coverage by June 1, 2026, or within 90 days of beginning disability benefits, whichever is later.

If a public safety agency closes, merges, or ceases to exist, the local unit public employer that caused the closure must continue providing required insurance coverage to these disabled employees.

Surviving spouses and dependents of public safety employees who die (not in line of duty) must pay the same premium amount as current active employees for their coverage level, rather than the previously required full premium cost.

Declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately upon passage.