Bill > HB2689

This bill modifies the eligibility criteria and coverage provisions for the public safety cancer insurance policy program, which provides cancer insurance benefits to certain public safety personnel like firefighters, peace officers, and corrections officers. The key changes include allowing individuals who did not receive covered benefits after retirement to elect continued coverage by paying an actuarially determined premium, with the annual premium to be deducted from their pension payment. Individuals can discontinue coverage within 180 days of payment and receive a refund. The bill also clarifies that coverage duration is based on years of service, including time in deferred retirement option plans, and specifies that individuals cannot receive benefits if there is evidence their cancer existed before joining the retirement system. The legislation requires the retirement system administrator to work with an advisory committee to update program plan documents and sets the effective date as December 31, 2025, with a deadline of January 1, 2027, for eligible persons to elect continued coverage. The bill repeals previous legislative provisions related to the program and aims to provide more flexible continuation of cancer insurance coverage for public safety retirees.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82672