Senate enacts Baldacci bill to expand health care plans for retired police, firefighters

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, March 28, the Maine Senate enacted a bill from Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, with strong bipartisan support. The bill, LD 362, “An Act to Clarify Coverage for Retired County and Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Municipal Firefighters Under the State Employer Group Health Plan” will expand health care and retirement benefits to retired municipal officers.

“This bill will ensure that folks get access to a retirement plan that works best for them,” said Sen. Baldacci. “This is about making sure that the municipal officers who have served our communities won’t have to worry about their health insurance and benefits later in the lives. I thank my colleagues for their support.”

LD 362 clarifies that retired county or municipal officers — be they law enforcement officers or firefighters — are able to enroll in their group health care plan so long as they meet the necessary criteria for the Retired County and Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Municipal Firefighters Health Insurance Program.

LD 362 will now go to the desk of Gov. Janet Mills, who has 10 days to sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without her signature.