GSFA Members,

 As we enter the closing days of this Legislative Session, we have some decisions to make about HB 451, PTSD Insurance Coverage.

While this bill was originally designed to be similar to our Firefighter Cancer Insurance, it has been changed a few times as it has passed through committees.  The House passed it with a reduction in lump sum benefit from the original $10,000 to $3,000 dollars and a long term disability benefit. This week, in Senate committee, it passed with an alteration that the $3000 is not a lump sum, but reimbursable to the covered member of public safety.  It is estimated that the insurance will cost about $150 per year, per person.

Currently, the membership has expressed support of the bill.

If the bill passes the Senate, then it would go back to the House for a vote.  The House does have the option of changing the language back or even something different, which would require a meeting of designees of both side to attempt to work out a compromise for a House vote.  If the House passes the bill, it goes to the Governor.

We are asking for member's opinion on whether we:

Support passing the bill in the Senate and House and using data after passage to lobby for coverage changes in the future or to stop supporting the legislation. 

Both have pros and cons, legislation can be "fixed" after passing in a following session, there is a chance the House is able to restore the original language, and if it does not pass, we have shown support for the bill to give it every possible chance.

Saying no, sends a message that we do not support the paring down of benefits to a reimbursable $3000, but could send a negative message to those who have supported passage along the way.

Should GSFA continue to support HB 451?