According to the
bill, existing disability coverage for volunteer firefighters would be expanded
to include cancer of the digestive, hematological, lymphatic, urinary,
prostate, neurological, breast and reproductive systems.
“Current disability
provisions in the law for volunteer firefighters do not include coverage if a
firefighter contracts these types of cancer,” said Senator Young. “Also,
at present, a totally disabled firefighter is limited to $600 per month in
disability benefits. This amount is not enough to give a volunteer and
his or her family peace of mind in case treatment is needed and large
out-of-pocket expenses follow. This bill would cover those illnesses and
give volunteers the same protections and monthly benefits as paid
firefighters.”
The legislation authorizes
a lump sum payment of $6,250 or $25,000 for eligible volunteers depending on
the diagnosis. If the firefighter becomes disabled due to cancer, he or
she may receive a monthly benefit of $1,500 payable for up to 36 months.
In the event of a cancer related death, the volunteer firefighter’s
family would be eligible for a death benefit of $50,000. Under the bill,
funds that are received by the volunteer firefighter as insurance payments for
cancer benefits would not be subject to New York State income taxes.
A series of recent
studies show a greater risk and an increased rate of certain cancers in
firefighters, especially in those who respond to interior fires and are exposed
to the carcinogens and toxic fumes that can be released when every-day products
burn.
Senator Young
concluded, “Volunteer firefighters bravely put their lives on the line every
day for our communities. In protecting our neighborhoods, they also save
the State of New York billions of dollars through their selfless service.
But they assume extremely high risks doing this job. We owe them the same
peace of mind they give us every day knowing they would be there for us in our
time of need.”
The bill will be
sent to the Governor.
