Mississippi lawmakers could extend firefighter cancer benefits to retirees

Mississippi lawmakers are considering expanding the state’s firefighter cancer program to make some retirees eligible.

S.B. 2404, introduced Monday and referred to the Insurance and Appropriations committees, will amend a 2019 law that provides firefighters with a one-time payment of $35,000 upon being diagnosed with cancer, extending the benefit to retirees. H.B. 1531, also introduced Monday, would also extend benefits to retired firefighters.

The Senate bill proposes that an “active first responder and a first responder who retired on July 1, 2020, through July 1, 2025, shall be entitled to cancer coverage benefits… In addition, any first responder who retired after July 1, 2025, shall be entitled to cancer coverage benefits under this section for up to five years following the first responder’s retirement.”