New Bill Increases Health Benefit Options for Illinois First Responders

Beginning in 2024, certain injured first responders and their dependents will gain access to additional health insurance plan options in Illinois.

Applies to:

All Illinois Public Employers that employ eligible injured first responders or their surviving dependents.

Effective:

January 1, 2024.

House Bill 3249 allows injured full-time law enforcement officers, correctional or correctional probation officers, firefighters, and their surviving spouses and children to choose between any health insurance plan available to current employees. Illinois law already requires public employers of such employees to pay 100% of health insurance premiums after a catastrophic injury or death in the line of duty.

In order to qualify for the enhanced coverage options provided by this legislation, the first responder’s injury or death must have occurred in the course of a fresh pursuit, in response to what was reasonably believed to be an emergency, as the result of an unlawful act perpetrated by another, or during the investigation of a criminal act.

Prior to the change in the law, public employers only had to offer a basic health insurance plan to these groups. Now, first responders are able to choose among any of the insurance plans that are available to Illinois public employees. In order to qualify for the premium payment and insurance coverage under the law, the injury or death must have occurred as the result of the officer’s response to a fresh pursuit, the officer or firefighter’s response to what is reasonably believed to be an emergency, an unlawful act perpetrated by another, or during the investigation of a criminal act. The benefits under the law only apply to health insurance coverage benefits.

The chart below breaks down the additional requirements that are set to get into effect in January as compared to the current requirements. Public employers with eligible employees will want to review their health insurance plans and consult with their carriers to implement any necessary changes.

Action Items for Employers

1. Review current health insurance plans offered to eligible employees.
2. Consult with insurance carrier regarding any changes which may need to be made.
3. Review payroll processes to cancel premium deductions, if applicable.

For more Illinois news from the OneDigital compliance team, check out this post: Illinois Paid Leave Coming in 2024.