REGULATION-TECH

HB 1286 amends Illinois Insurance Code Section 367f to clarify requirements for maintaining group health insurance coverage for firefighters during retirement or disability periods. It requires municipalities and insurers to automatically allow firefighters to continue their group health coverage (including dependents' coverage) throughout their retirement or disability period at the same premium rate as active firefighters, without discrimination. The bill mandates specific written notices: municipalities must notify insurers within 15 days of a firefighter's retirement/disability period starting, and insurers must then notify firefighters of their continuation options within 15 days. This directly affects firefighters employed by Illinois municipalities who are covered under group health insurance policies.