SC S0850

Provides state-funded health insurance coverage under the State Health Plan for surviving spouses and dependent children of first responders killed in the line of duty for three years

Covers law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel, including those serving in full-time, part-time, reserve, or volunteer capacities

State assumes full responsibility for all premium costs with no cost-sharing required from surviving family members, employing agencies, or political subdivisions

Line-of-duty death includes deaths occurring during emergency response, law enforcement activity, fire suppression, rescue operations, training, or authorized off-duty intervention, but excludes deaths from criminal activity or gross misconduct

After the three-year period, surviving spouses may continue coverage at their own expense at group rates without evidence of insurability, administered by the Public Employee Benefit Authority