Monday March 08, Both self-funded workers compensation systems used in NC for the fire service feared the passage of presumptive cancer legislation, since it took cancer treatment out of the medical insurance arena and put the total cost on workers compensation insurance. This raised concerns about escalating rates.
It was felt that an Insurance alternative, similar to what other States like Florida, South Carolina, and even eventually Georgia had passed, may be a better alternative. NCLM agreed that this would be a more acceptable option than presumptive legislation.
In late , NCSFA again met with the League and an insurance consultant they had brought in from Georgia to discuss an insurance bill. A draft cancer insurance bill was developed by the consultant with input from NCSFA from the discussions. The draft bill as well as the GPA funding option has been provided to senior legislators in the House and Senate. Funding options may change but we have provided them with an option. Here is a synopsis of the bill presented.
Continuous Years of Service — To be eligible under the program, the firefighter must have completed five years of service. No Prior Diagnosis of Cancer — To be eligible for the cancer program, a firefighter is required to confirm they had no diagnosis of a covered cancer prior to the effective date of the program. Tobacco Use — A firefighter must confirm they have not used tobacco products within 1 year of their effective date of coverage to be eligible under the program.
A cancer diagnosis must occur on or after the effective date of the program to qualify for the lump-sum benefit.
