By FireRescue1 Staff
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor John Kasich signed a bill that will provide firefighters diagnosed with cancer worker’s compensation benefits and medical coverage Wednesday.
Although there are limitations to the law, it offers coverage to those who are diagnosed with cancer due to their profession.
Coverage for firefighters may be denied for those whose cancer is linked to smoking or tobacco use. Firefighters over 70 do not quality, nor do any firefighters who have been away from hazardous duty for more than 20 years, reported WKYC.
In order to qualify for coverage, firefighters must have been on hazardous duty for at least six years and exposed to known cancer-causing toxins.
After nearly decade long fight, Ohio firefighters see the passing of firefighter cancer bill, signed today by Gov. Kasich. @nbc4i pic.twitter.com/hunsQwnLM0
— Katie Ferrell (@Katie_Ferrell) January 4, 2017
Firefighter cancer bill is now law! @wkyc pic.twitter.com/FoDTKw2T08
— Monica Robins (@monicarobins) January 4, 2017