In Iowa, a new state law recently took effect that will allow the Iowa Lottery to pay $100,000 annually to the newly created Iowa Public Safety Survivor Benefits Fund, which will direct money to organizations that will help families of fallen police officers and firefighters cover the ongoing costs of accident or health insurance.
Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens said, “This will help with a significant real-world concern for the families in these tragic circumstances.” Governor Kim Reynolds signed the legislation May 22.
Prior to 2018, survivors could not maintain a family member’s insurance after his or her death. But last year, state, county and city governments were allowed to pay all or a portion of insurance costs for surviving families. The new lottery fund is designed to fill the gap for those who don’t receive full support from an agency or municipality.
At a press conference at the Iowa Peace Officer Memorial in Des Moines, state Rep. Mike Sexton said, “This memorial is a reminder to us all about our public servants who have died in the line of duty. Insurance coverage is one of the immediate concerns their survivors can face, and it’s right that we find a way to help them continue that coverage.”
