State Rep. Karlee Macer’s survivor health coverage bill approved in Indiana House

INDIANAPOLIS – Legislation authored by Representative Karlee Macer (D-Indianapolis) that expands health coverage for the surviving family members of public safety officers and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel who are killed in the line of duty passed unanimously out of the Indiana House of Representatives today.

House Bill 1110 states that if a public safety officer, park ranger or EMS personnel should die in the line of duty, and if the employer of the public safety officer or EMS personnel provides health care for that active duty officer or EMS personnel, then the employer shall offer to pay for the coverage of the officer’s spouse and children.

Previously, there was no coverage for the surviving family members of EMS personnel and park rangers, but Rep. Macer’s legislation adds them to the list of public officers who are covered.

“This is a step in the right direction for recognizing the sacrifice that our public safety officers and EMS personnel make on a daily basis,” Rep. Macer said.

“The risks that these officers are willing to take in order to keep us safe is incredible, and their families deserve to know that they will be supported if their spouse or parent is tragically killed in the line of duty.”

House Bill 1110 now moves to the Indiana Senate for consideration.