This bill amends RCW 41.26.510 to enhance medical insurance premium reimbursements for the surviving spouses and dependent children of members who die in the line of duty. It introduces provisions that require the retirement allowance paid to these survivors to include reimbursements for premiums on employer-provided medical insurance, COBRA, and Medicare Parts A and B. Specifically, it mandates that eligible survivors must enroll and maintain enrollment in both Medicare Parts A and B to qualify for these reimbursements. Additionally, the bill clarifies that if a member's surviving spouse or domestic partner is not eligible for the specified reimbursements, they will still receive reimbursement for premiums on other medical insurance, though this amount cannot exceed what would be reimbursed under COBRA.

Furthermore, the bill includes a retroactive application clause for certain premium reimbursements made after June 10, 2010, while maintaining a prospective application for all other provisions. It also provides additional benefits for surviving spouses or domestic partners who lost industrial insurance payments due to remarriage, ensuring they receive an amount equivalent to what they would have received had they not remarried. This comprehensive approach aims to provide better financial support to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in their line of duty.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 41.26.510