Bill > H2332

This bill amends Chapter 41 to create a new provision that allows municipalities to indemnify (financially compensate) police officers and firefighters for medical expenses related to COVID-19 complications, even after retirement. Specifically, eligible public safety employees or their widows/next of kin can apply for reimbursement of reasonable medical expenses, including hospital, surgical, chiropractic, nursing, pharmaceutical, and prosthetic costs incurred within six months before filing the application. To qualify, a three-person panel consisting of the retirement board chairman, city solicitor (or designated representative), and a mutually agreed-upon physician must certify that: (1) the medical expenses were directly caused by COVID-19 contracted as a work-related illness, (2) the expenses were incurred after the section's acceptance, (3) the medical services were provided within the six-month timeframe, and (4) the expenses are reasonable under the circumstances. The bill applies to both current and retired public safety employees who contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty, providing a mechanism for financial support for ongoing medical treatment related to the disease.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2332