A bill for an act concerning retirement and employment benefits associated with cancer, and making appropriations.
The introduction of SF272 marks a significant enhancement in healthcare benefits for public safety employees, particularly by expanding the state’s definition of cancer. This broader definition encompasses various cancer diagnoses, thus qualifying more cases for accidental disability and death benefits under the Peace Officers Retirement, Accident, and Disability system and the Municipal Fire and Police Retirement system. Furthermore, political subdivisions are eligible for state reimbursement of up to $1,250 per eligible employee for the associated costs of providing these examinations, with a total appropriation of $1 million from the general fund planned for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
Senate File 272, also referred to as SF272, addresses retirement and employment benefits associated with cancer for specific public safety personnel in Iowa. The bill mandates that starting July 1, 2025, public employers must provide cancer screening examinations to full-time fire fighters, police officers, and emergency medical services providers. These examinations are required within the first three years of employment and subsequently every three years thereafter. Importantly, eligible personnel will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles, or copayments for these screenings.
While SF272 aims to bolster the support offered to public safety employees in terms of cancer-related health issues, it necessitates compliance from local governments with state mandates. This requirement has the potential to cause contention regarding funding and resource allocation for these programs. Concerns may arise among local entities about the sustainability of such financial commitments without assured state funding, highlighting a possible tension between state directives and local government capabilities.