CT HB06384

Expands the firefighters cancer relief program to reimburse insurance deductibles and laboratory and diagnostic testing fees related to cancer, in addition to existing wage replacement benefits.

Establishes a separate, nonlapsing firefighters cancer relief account within the General Fund to be invested by the State Treasurer and used for wage replacement benefits and reimbursements for eligible firefighters.

Eligible firefighters must have worked at least five years as interior structural firefighters or fire marshals/investigators since February 1, 2017, passed initial and annual physical exams without cancer evidence, not used tobacco products within 15 years of applying, and have cancer known to result from heat, radiation, or carcinogens.

Maximum weekly wage replacement benefit cannot exceed 100 percent of the average weekly earnings of all workers in the state for the year cancer was diagnosed, with benefits limited to 24 months.

State Treasurer must remit approved wage replacement benefits and reimbursements within 30 days, and the act takes effect July 1, 2019.