Is Cancer Coverage Next for Firefighters and Paramedics?
Here's an interesting article from yesterday's edition of the Palm Beach Post. The article discusses SB 1440 and HB 301 which were introduced during the 2007 session of the Florida Legislature and which would have broadened the scope of the so-called "Heart-Lung" bill to include cancer among those conditions which are presumptively caused by a firefighter's or paramedic's employment. And here's a related story about a 34-year-old firefighter suffering from leukemia whose $1.6 million in medical bills and disability would be covered under bills like these. Both articles discuss the financial bind that "presumption" statutes like §112.18 and the new §112.1815 are beginning to place upon municipal and county budgets.
Although both bills died in committee, the Palm Beach County legislative delegation has promised to re-introduce this legislation in 2008.
