2023-10-06 21:31:57
North Carolina extends cancer benefits for firefighters with new funding mechanism
by Jennifer Emert
Friday, Oct 6th 2023
NOV. 16, 2022 – Deadlier than Fire: Cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, and research suggests firefighters are at higher risk of certain types of cancers when compared to the general population, according to the Center for Disease Control’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Even still, many North Carolina firefighters are paying out of pocket in order to get the health screenings and evaluation to make sure they catch possible cancers. (Photo Credit: WLOS Staff)
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) —
A two-year pilot program for firefighters diagnosed with cancer will continue to provide lump-sum payments and coverage for medical expenses for firefighters who meet the qualifications.
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The program will now run through the state’s Department of Insurance instead of a third-party carrier that administered the previous pilot program, but firefighters still hope they will make the program permanent.
“We’re going to be working in the short session to try and make it permanent. I think we have a very good funding mechanism in place, which we didn’t have before,” said Scott Mullins, president of the Asheville Firefighters Association Local 332.
The program will be funded through the state’s current gross premium tax, which is collected when you buy insurance.
Firefighters are also working to ban PFAS, also known as the forever chemical, that’s used to treat their turnout gear.
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