HB 2689: cancer insurance; public safety; retirees - Arizona

Introduced Version → House Engrossed Version · 3 edits · May 6, 2025

MINOR

The bill was reclassified from an 'Introduced Version' to a 'House Engrossed Version,' indicating it has passed the initial committee review and is ready for further legislative action. The reference title was updated to reflect the final order of topics: cancer insurance, retirees, and public safety. A significant substantive change occurred in the funding section for public safety retirees, where the requirement for individuals to pay 50% of the premium was removed, and the cost calculation was expanded to include specific exceptions for certain groups.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on cancer insurance for retirees and public safety personnel, but the financial obligations for public safety retirees have been altered.

FISCAL

Removed the requirement for eligible public safety retirees to pay 50% of the premium cost, shifting the full premium cost determination to the board.

Added a new provision requiring the board to calculate premium costs specifically for public safety personnel who opt to continue coverage, excluding those listed under subsection C.

TECHNICAL

Updated the document header and reference title to reflect the 'House Engrossed Version' status and reordered the topic list.

Senate Engrossed Version → Chaptered Version · 3 edits

MINOR

This bill transitions HB 2689 from a Senate Engrossed version to a Chaptered (enacted) version, confirming it has been signed into law. The substantive policy content regarding public safety cancer insurance eligibility, premium calculations, and repeal of prior laws remains unchanged from the Senate version, with only formatting and official approval details added.

TIMELINE

Added official approval dates showing the bill was approved by the Governor on May 13, 2025, and filed with the Secretary of State on the same date, making it officially law.

TECHNICAL

Changed the document title from 'Senate Engrossed House Bill' to 'Chapter 0208 - 571R - S Ver of HB2689' to reflect its official chaptered status in the Arizona Revised Statutes.

Added standard legislative formatting including 'An Act' header, chapter number (208), and official filing information that was not present in the Senate version.

House Engrossed Version → Senate Engrossed Version · 6 edits · May 6, 2025

MODERATE

This bill repeals the 2012 public safety cancer insurance program and replaces it with a new continuation coverage option for retirees who did not previously receive benefits. The change shifts the program from an automatic benefit to an opt-in election, with premiums calculated based on employer contributions rather than a fixed rate. The new framework requires actuarial reviews and sets a January 1, 2027 deadline for eligible retirees to elect continued coverage.

Scope change

The bill changes the program from an automatic benefit for eligible retirees to an opt-in continuation coverage option, and repeals the original 2012 law that established the program.

SCOPE

Removed the automatic eligibility continuation for retirees who were receiving benefits before retirement or diagnosed with cancer after retirement.

Repealed the original 2012 law that established the public safety cancer insurance policy program.

ELIGIBILITY

Added an opt-in election process for retirees who did not receive covered benefits to continue coverage by paying premiums determined by the board.

FISCAL

Changed premium calculation to be based on the amount paid by the employer for each employee rather than a board-determined cost.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement that annual premium payments be deducted from pension payments and allowed for discontinuation within 180 days with refund.

TIMELINE

Added January 1, 2027 deadline for eligible retirees to elect continued coverage under the new program.

cancer insurance; public safety; retirees

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