Bill > SF565

This bill establishes a new provision for health insurance continuation for surviving spouses and children of state of Iowa employees who die from a traumatic personal injury directly related to their work duties. Specifically, the bill defines an "eligible employee" as a state employee participating in a group health insurance plan whose death is determined by the Department of Administrative Services to result from a work-related traumatic personal injury, with several specific exclusions such as deaths from stress, intentional misconduct, voluntary intoxication, or gross negligence. The governing body of the state may permit the surviving spouse and children to continue or reenroll in the employee's existing health insurance coverage, though they are not required to pay for the coverage. If the state does not fully cover the insurance cost, the surviving spouse and children may continue coverage by paying the remaining portion. The bill ensures that this health insurance coverage is the "payor of last resort" and includes provisions that would disqualify coverage if the surviving spouse or child was substantially responsible for the employee's death or becomes ineligible under standard health insurance terms. The bill applies retroactively to January 1, 2024, with an effective date of July 1, 2025, and is designed to provide financial and medical support to families of state employees who die in the line of duty.

State Government (Senate)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF565