H.B. 621 Summary

• Enacts new section 124.824 of the Revised Code to permit surviving spouses and children of deceased public safety officers to participate in state employee health, dental, and vision benefits by paying the employee-share premium.

• Surviving spouses and children who are beneficiaries of the Ohio Public Safety Officers Death Benefit Fund (except parents) become eligible to enroll in these benefits, with the state paying the employer-share of premiums.

• Recipients under age 18 or disabled children may have a parent or guardian file benefit enrollment elections on their behalf.

• Individuals eligible for Medicare are ineligible to participate in these health benefits.

• Amends section 742.63 regarding death benefit calculations and payment termination dates, changing references from "retirement eligibility date" to "maximum pension eligibility date" throughout the section.