SENATE APPROVES BILL TO ALLOW SPOUSES OF RETIRED NYC POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS TO CONTINUE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

Senator Bruno met with Mayor Giuliani in New York City after the tragedy.

Monday, October 22, 2001

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno announced that the New York State Senate today passed legislation that would help provide continued health insurance coverage to the spouses of deceased retired members of New York City�s Police and Fire Departments.

"In the wake of the September 11 tragedy in New York City, we now have a much greater appreciation and understanding of the sacrifices that the members of the NYPD and FDNY routinely make each and every day," Senator Bruno said. "Many retired officers responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center. They lost their lives but they never lost their sense of duty to the people. This bill will help ensure the retired police officers and firefighters of New York-- those who have dedicated their lives to serving their city -- that, in the event of their death, their spouse�s health insurance coverage can continue."

"I have been championing the continuation of health insurance coverage for the surviving spouses of retired New York City firefighters and police officers for quite some time," said Senator LaValle, sponsor of the legislation. "These men and women never wavered in their commitment to the protection of life and property and served as positive role models for future generations of firefighters and police officers. In providing access to continued health care for surviving spouses of retirees, we offer peace of mind to the department members in knowing that their loved ones will be afforded quality health care in their remaining years."

Present law guarantees the right to health insurance coverage of the surviving spouses of police officers and firefighters whose lives are lost in the line of duty. This legislation would afford the spouses of deceased retired police officers and firefighters the same opportunity to continue their health insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.

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