Mandatory Cancer Coverage For Volunteer Firefighters

Effective January 1, 2019, any fire district, department, or company in New York State that has an eligible volunteer firefighter must show proof of insurance coverage that meets the requirements of this Act or show satisfactory proof of the ability to pay such compensation to ensure adequate coverage for all eligible volunteers.

Types of Cancers Covered:

  • Breast
  • Digestive
  • Hematological
  • Lung
  • Lymphatic
  • Melanoma
  • Neurological
  • Prostate
  • Reproductive System
  • Urinary

What Does the Bill Say?
Volunteer firefighters are currently eligible for accidental disability and death benefits through Workers Compensation if they are injured in the line of duty. Effective January 1, 2019, they are eligible for health benefits to support treatment for life-threatening cancers. Under the bill (S1411BA711B), volunteer firefighters who contract certain cancers will receive access to tax-free disability and death benefits.

Benefits:
A lump-sum benefit paid out at diagnosis of a covered Cancer (as defined in the Act), depending on the severity and form of the cancer diagnosis. Each lump sum benefit would be subject to a lifetime maximum of $50,000 for multiple diagnoses, as follows:

  • $6,250 – Cancers identified in the Act as less severe
  • $25,000 – Cancers identified in the Act as more severe

Total Disability Benefit:
Should a covered volunteer firefighter become disabled, they may be eligible for a monthly disability benefit of up to $1,500 payable monthly for up to 36 months after a 6 month waiting period and coordination with other benefits.

Cancer Death Benefit:
A covered firefighter may be eligible for an enhanced cancer death benefit in the amount of an additional $50,000.

Eligibility:

Generally, a volunteer firefighter must satisfy the following criteria to be eligible:

  • Served at least 5 years as an interior firefighter as evidenced by a record verifying passage of at least five yearly certified mask fitting tests as required for an interior firefighter rating.
  • Passage of a physical examination upon entering the fire service which did not reveal any evidence of cancer covered by this Act.
  • The diagnosis conforms to the definitions of cancer as set forth in the Act.

    • Mandated coverage is not limited to current active interior firefighters. All active members who have met the criteria at some point in time as a volunteer firefighter must be covered.

    A covered volunteer firefighter will remain eligible for benefits under this Act for up to 60 months after the formal cessation of the volunteer firefighters active status for:

    • Lump-sum benefit
    • Enhanced cancer death benefit