Bill > HB2441

This bill expands medical insurance premium reimbursements for surviving spouses and dependent children of members who die in the line of duty, as defined by RCW 41.05.011(5). Specifically, it mandates that their retirement allowance will now include reimbursement for premiums paid for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance), provided the surviving spouse or dependent children enroll and maintain enrollment in both. This reimbursement also covers premiums for employer-provided medical insurance and insurance under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) from the date of the member's death until it's determined they died in the line of duty. For those not eligible for these specific reimbursements, their allowance will still include reimbursement for other medical insurance premiums, capped at the COBRA premium amount. These provisions apply retroactively to premium payments made after June 10, 2010, and prospectively thereafter.