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House approves benefits and insurance protections for state employees called to Desert Storm
Summary
The House unanimously passed substitute Senate Bill 201 to continue health, dental and basic-life coverage for state employees activated for Desert Shield/Storm, allow reinstatement of lapsed group policies within 180 days of release from active duty, and provide 15 days of military leave.
The Utah House approved substitute Senate Bill 201 on Feb. 27 to protect state employees called to active duty for Operation Desert Shield/Storm by continuing state-paid coverage and permitting reinstatement of lapsed group insurance.
Representative Price, speaking on the bill, described measures to continue coverage for state employees while activated and to permit reinstatement of lapsed group or blanket disability coverage without premium increases for up to 180 days after release from active duty. "Any group or blanket disability coverage...an insurer may not refuse to reinstate an insured or his family whose coverage lapsed due to their participation in the operation," Price said.
SB201 also requires agencies to continue paying the employer share of benefits and grants activated employees a 15-day military leave. Lawmakers discussed whether federal military coverage overlaps and how the bill dovetails with federal benefits; Representative Oscar explained that employees remain on their state group plans and may resume family coverage terms upon return while family members remain eligible for military medical care when appropriate.
The House passed the bill unanimously on a roll call of 67–0 and transmitted it to the Senate for final signature procedures.
