HB1257

House Bill 1257 establishes a new framework allowing eligible retired police officers from Arkansas municipalities and counties to enroll in their former employer's health benefit plans. To be eligible, retirees must meet specific service and age requirements and must not yet be eligible for Medicare. The bill mandates a 60-day guaranteed issue enrollment period upon retirement and permits dependents to be included in the coverage. Additionally, the legislation provides protections for surviving spouses and dependents to continue coverage after the retiree's death. Retirees are responsible for paying the premiums, and municipalities and counties are prohibited from charging enrollment surcharges or assessments. The act also includes a retroactive provision for police officers who retired between January 1, 2017, and the effective date of the act, granting them a 90-day window to enroll.