Politics & Government
New York Volunteer Firefighters With Cancer Get Help Under New Law
These are some of the types of cancers covered under the law. Firefighters must meet certain eligibility requirements.
ALBANY, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, announced Sunday he signed legislation that will provide health care benefits to volunteer firefighters in New York who suffer from certain cancers.
The benefit will be available nearly 100,000 New Yorkers who serve as volunteers with fire companies across the state.
Currently, volunteer firefighters injured on duty are eligible for accidental disability and death benefits through Workers' Compensation. But as of Jan. 1, 2019, firefighters can also receive health benefits to support treatments for certain cancers.
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Among the types of cancers covered under the law are lung, prostate, breast, urinary and melanoma if the firefighter meets certain eligibility requirements. (For more information on this law and other legislative stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)
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