Bill > HB0298

This bill amends the Volunteer Emergency Medical Service Personnel Insurance Program to expand and clarify provisions for volunteer emergency medical service workers in Utah. The bill modifies definitions related to the program, including clarifying what constitutes a "qualifying community" as a city of the fifth class or a town located in a county of the second class. It aims to promote recruitment and retention of volunteer emergency medical service personnel by making insurance more accessible, allowing eligible individuals who provide emergency medical services in qualifying communities or smaller counties to access health and dental insurance through the Public Employees' Benefit and Insurance Program (PEHP). Eligibility requirements include being licensed as an emergency medical technician, responding to at least 20% of emergency medical service calls in a twelve-month period, working as a volunteer or part-time unbenefited employee, and not having affordable health or dental coverage through other sources. The bill also allows the program to potentially offer basic life and long-term disability insurance, and requires the creation of an advisory board to help define program criteria. The changes are designed to support volunteer emergency medical service personnel in rural and smaller communities by providing them with insurance options they might not otherwise have access to, with the bill set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0298.html