2023-09-29 06:00:00
A new partnership between Gov. Doug Burgum’s office and the state’s department of Workforce Safety and Insurance will offset some of the costs of medical examinations for paid full-time firefighters and law enforcement officers in North Dakota.
Employers for these emergency responders are already required to cover the costs of routine medical exams, but they can now receive a maximum reimbursement of $250 per employee to reduce the financial impact of the requirement.
The program was announced late last week but will retroactively reimburse employers for qualifying medical examinations that have taken place since the beginning of the month, according to WSI Communications Director Valerie Kingsley.
The money for the program comes from the department’s safety appropriation funds, Kingsley said. Though it’s unclear what the program’s cost will be, as it will depend on employer participation, the department has estimated it will spend between $200,000 and $250,000 annually on the initiative.
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It comes just months following Burgum signed into law a slate of bills passed by the Legislature that expanded state benefits and support for firefighters and law enforcement officers in areas such as retirement benefits, hiring bonuses and workers’ compensation coverage.
“The Serve & Protect Reimbursement Program demonstrates our deepest gratitude for the invaluable service provided by our firefighters and law enforcement officers,” Burgum said in a statement. “We owe it to these brave men and women to ensure they have access to the best possible health care. This program not only alleviates a financial burden but also underscores our commitment to the well-being of those who put their lives on the line every day to keep North Dakota safe.”
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