New Pennsylvania Law Strengthens Health Insurance Protections for Families of Fallen Police Officers

Pennsylvania has enacted an important new law providing greater financial security to the families of police officers who die in the line of duty. Act 66 of 2026, signed into law on Oct. 22, 2026, significantly expands health insurance protections for surviving spouses and dependent children of full-time municipal and regional police officers. The law takes effect on Dec. 21, 2026.

Perhaps most importantly, the law applies retroactively to families of officers who died in the line of duty in prior years, not only to families affected by future tragedies. While the law does not require reimbursement of medical expenses incurred before its effective date, eligible survivors will now be entitled to continuing health insurance benefits.

Act 66 provides several important protections:

• Lifetime coverage for surviving spouses. Spouses are entitled to the same level of health insurance coverage provided to active officers. Coverage may end if a spouse remarries or obtains equivalent employer-sponsored insurance.

• Coverage for dependent children. Eligible dependents receive health insurance benefits until age 26, unless they qualify for other employer-sponsored coverage.

• Protection during investigations. Existing health insurance coverage must remain in place while authorities investigate whether an officer’s death occurred in the line of duty.

• Medicare coordination. Medicare becomes the primary coverage for eligible survivors, with municipalities required to provide or reimburse supplemental Medicare coverage for surviving spouses.

The new law also requires municipalities and regional police departments to assist surviving spouses with the administration of their benefits. Act 66 represents a significant victory for Pennsylvania’s police officers and their families. It recognizes that the obligation to support the families of fallen officers extends well beyond the date of an officer’s death. Willig, Williams & Davidson congratulates the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, Philadelphia FOP Lodge 5 and other stakeholders on this important legislative achievement. Their efforts have secured meaningful, lasting protections for the families of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.