Council briefed on HB 1044 expanding health coverage eligibility for disabled public‑safety employees

Staff explained House Bill 1044 and its effect on municipal group health coverage. Under the bill, public‑safety employees who suffer class 1 or class 2 impairments and can no longer work may be eligible for continued group health coverage for themselves and for their spouses and dependents.

The presenter said coverage for spouses ends when they become eligible for Medicare or obtain employer‑based coverage; dependent coverage ends when a dependent turns 18 or turns 23 if enrolled in college. The presenter noted the law specifically targets catastrophic injuries and the situation where no household members are working to provide health coverage.

Council members were briefed on the eligibility triggers and termination conditions and had no request for immediate follow‑up action beyond noting the coverage change.