By C1 Staff
LANSING — A new bill guaranteeing health care coverage for the families of fallen first responders inched forward in the Legislature last week after being sidelined amid the 2016 budget process.
The Lansing State Journal reports that SB 218 would change the law from a one-time payment to guaranteeing continuing health benefits for the families of fallen or “totally and permanently disabled” first responders and correctional officers in Michigan’s prisons.
The bill would require Michigan to offer health coverage comparable to what it offers retired state troopers, but only if the surviving family isn’t covered by other health care benefits.
The Michigan Corrections Organization and many other first responder groups support the bill, but it comes with a hefty price tag.
The benefit could reach as high as $709,000 a year in a decade, and millions over several decades.