First Responders Health and Safety Act; revise to provide that the cancer benefits will be paid by the state and not insurance policies.
The bill effectively repeals provisions requiring employers to cover the costs associated with purchasing insurance policies for cancer coverage for first responders. By shifting the financial responsibility to state appropriations, this legislative act will ensure that first responders can access necessary financial assistance without the burden of navigating insurance policies. The provisions for lump-sum benefits upon cancer diagnosis are preserved, with amounts set at $35,000 and $6,250 for various cancer types, reinforcing the state's commitment to supporting those who protect their communities.
House Bill 1033 revises the Mississippi First Responders Health and Safety Act to facilitate the payment of cancer benefits for first responders. Notably, the bill stipulates that the cancer benefits will no longer be disbursed through insurance policies but will instead be allocated from funds appropriated by the legislature and managed by the Attorney General’s office. This change aims to streamline and enhance the financial support available for first responders who have been diagnosed with cancer related to occupational hazards.
One point of contention surrounding HB 1033 is the elimination of the previous requirement that first responders' employers bear the cost of cancer insurance. Critics argue that this might reduce the incentive for employers to proactively manage occupational health and safety measures, as the financial responsibility is no longer directly tied to them. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of state funding to cover potential cancer claims without triggering budgetary issues for the Attorney General’s office, which will need to allocate sufficient resources to meet the bill's intended benefits.