HB 1778 Summary

• Adds two new sections to Hawaii's workers' compensation law to expand medical coverage for firefighters diagnosed with cancer arising from occupational exposure.

• Requires private health care plans to pay for or provide medical care, services, and supplies for controverted workers' compensation claims that are later accepted or determined to be compensable.

• For firefighters with five or more years of service diagnosed with leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or cancer of the lung, brain, stomach, esophagus, intestines, rectum, kidney, bladder, prostate, or testes, employers must cover medical expenses at 110-150% of Medicare Resource Based Relative Value Scale fees.

• Does not create new benefits but improves firefighters' access to comprehensive medical coverage for cancer-related illnesses presumed to arise from occupational duties.

• Takes effect upon approval.