Continuing Health Insurance for Certain Surviving Spouses and Dependents (1361DP) - Administrative Services, Department of

This bill (1361DP) ensures that the surviving spouse and children of Iowa state employees who die from work-related traumatic injuries can continue their existing state health insurance coverage. It applies only to deaths directly caused by traumatic injuries incurred while performing job duties (excluding deaths from stress, chronic illness, misconduct, intoxication, or gross negligence). The state must allow coverage continuation but isn’t required to pay for it; if the state doesn’t cover costs, the family can choose to pay the uncovered portion to maintain coverage. Exclusions include cases where the survivor contributed to the employee’s death or becomes ineligible for other reasons (like remarriage).