New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08443

Introduced
6/18/25  
Refer
6/18/25  

Caption

Provides that where an active or retired police officer dies by suicide and is enrolled in a health insurance plan, the surviving dependents of such police officer shall be entitled to such health insurance coverage for ninety days following such police officer's death.

Impact

The passage of this bill would significantly impact existing laws governing health insurance for police officers and their families under New York’s civil service regulations. By extending health insurance benefits for a specified period following a police officer's suicide, the bill acknowledges the unique challenges faced by these families and may alleviate some immediate financial stressors related to health care during a period of grief. It positions the state as taking active steps to support not only law enforcement personnel but also their families in times of crisis.

Summary

Bill S08443 seeks to amend the administrative code of New York City and the civil service law regarding health insurance coverage for surviving dependents of police officers who die by suicide. The legislation stipulates that both active and retired police officers enrolled in a health insurance plan will allow their surviving spouse or domestic partner, along with dependents, to receive health insurance coverage for ninety days following the police officer’s death due to suicide. This initiative aims to provide support and resources to families during a particularly challenging and often tragic time.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding Bill S08443 may involve the larger conversation about mental health, suicide prevention, and the responsibilities of the police department towards its members. Some may argue that while the bill addresses a critical need, it does not sufficiently tackle the underlying issues of mental health within the police force, advocating for a more proactive approach that includes counseling and support services. Furthermore, there may be discussions on whether the bill provides adequate coverage or if there should be additional provisions or longer coverage periods, reflecting a broader concern for the wellbeing of police officers and their families.

Companion Bills

NY A08914

Same As Provides that where an active or retired police officer dies by suicide and is enrolled in a health insurance plan, the surviving dependents of such police officer shall be entitled to such health insurance coverage for ninety days following such police officer's death.

NY A09428

Same As Provides that where an active or retired police officer dies by suicide and is enrolled in a health insurance plan, the surviving dependents of such police officer shall be entitled to such health insurance coverage for ninety days following such police officer's death.

Previously Filed As

NY A08914

Provides that where an active or retired police officer dies by suicide and is enrolled in a health insurance plan, the surviving dependents of such police officer shall be entitled to such health insurance coverage for ninety days following such police officer's death.

NY A09428

Provides that where an active or retired police officer dies by suicide and is enrolled in a health insurance plan, the surviving dependents of such police officer shall be entitled to such health insurance coverage for ninety days following such police officer's death.

NY S09366

Establishes a uniform effective date for health insurance benefit mandates by requiring that every law that adds provisions to or amends provisions of sections 3216, 3221, and 4303 of the insurance law requiring a policy of health insurance to provide coverage for a new health care service, treatment, or benefit, or that otherwise mandates coverage under such policy shall take effect no earlier than the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law and shall apply to policies and contracts issued, renewed, modified, altered or amended on or after such effective date.

NY A10244

Establishes a uniform effective date for health insurance benefit mandates by requiring that every law that adds provisions to or amends provisions of sections 3216, 3221, and 4303 of the insurance law requiring a policy of health insurance to provide coverage for a new health care service, treatment, or benefit, or that otherwise mandates coverage under such policy shall take effect no earlier than the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law and shall apply to policies and contracts issued, renewed, modified, altered or amended on or after such effective date.

NY S08096

Prevents public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and their dependents by such public employer.

NY S00634

Requires certain health insurance policies to provide coverage for diabetes and prediabetes screening.

NY A01206

Requires certain health insurance policies to provide coverage for diabetes and prediabetes screening.

NY A09637

Relates to protecting retiree health insurance benefits; provides that the health insurance benefits provided to retired officers, employees, and their dependents by the state and its political subdivisions shall not be diminished or impaired below the actuarial value of the benefits provided as of December thirty-first, two thousand twenty-one.

NY S05048

Relates to contractual liability insurance policies; provides that each provider may maintain a maximum of five service contract reimbursement insurance policies insuring its service contracts actively offered.

NY A00979

Relates to contractual liability insurance policies; provides that each provider may maintain a maximum of five service contract reimbursement insurance policies insuring its service contracts actively offered.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.