This bill establishes provisions for the continuation of health insurance coverage for the surviving spouse and children of eligible employees of the state of Iowa who die as a result of a traumatic personal injury incurred during their work duties. An eligible employee is defined as one who was participating in a state health or medical group insurance plan at the time of their death, provided that their death was not due to certain exclusions such as stress-related conditions, intentional misconduct, or gross negligence. The bill mandates that the state must allow the continuation of existing health insurance or reenrollment in previous coverage for the surviving family members, and it also extends this coverage to those whose eligibility is pending determination.

While the bill does not require the state to cover the costs of the health insurance, it allows for the possibility of the state or the employing entity to pay for all or part of the insurance costs. If the state does not cover these costs, the surviving spouse and children may opt to continue their coverage by paying the remaining costs themselves. Additionally, the bill specifies that continuation of coverage is not required if the surviving spouse or child contributed to the employee's death or if they become ineligible for coverage for reasons unrelated to the employee's death. The provisions of this bill are retroactively applicable from January 1, 2024.