HB1720

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1720
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to medical services for firefighters.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that firefighters are at an increased risk of cancer due to their prolonged exposure to hazardous materials. According to the Centers for Disease Control, cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters. A study conducted between 1978 and 2022 revealed firefighters are at a higher risk for skin and prostate cancer. Further, they have significantly higher mortality rates for rectal, testicular, brain, and other forms of cancer. Medical experts recommend preventative measures, early detection, and screenings to reduce the risk of occupational cancer.

The purpose of this Act is to include cancer screenings as a medical service covered under the state health benefits program for full-time state firefighters.

SECTION 2. Chapter 386, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§386- Firefighter Cancer Screening. (a) A firefighter employed as a full-time paid employee of a fire department or unit of the State or a political subdivision of the State shall be provided a cancer screening examination conducted by a physician not less than three years after the start of the firefighter's employment as a firefighter and every three years thereafter during the course of the firefighter's employment. The examination shall include screening for, at a minimum and when applicable, the following cancers:

(1) colon;

(2) lung;

(3) bladder;

(4) oral;

(5) thyroid;

(6) skin;

(7) blood;

(8) breast;

(9) cervical

(10) testicular;

(11) rectal; and

(12) prostate.

(b) Subsection (a) of this section shall apply to a firefighter enrolled in the state health benefits program as occupational coverage.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, beginning January 1, 2025 and for each plan year thereafter, a public employer that does not participate in the state health benefits program shall provide health care benefits coverage for its employees that offers cancer screening examinations consistent with the requirement of subsection (a) of this section. A public employer that does not participate in the state health benefits program shall be eligible for reimbursement from the State for its cost of providing benefits coverage for such examinations; provided, however, at no time shall the cost being reimbursed to the public employer by the State for the full examination required under subsection (a) of this section exceed $1,250 per three-year period for each firefighter.

(d) No co-payment, deductible, coinsurance, or out-of-pocket expense shall be required for such examinations.

(e) A public employer shall maintain adequate records to facilitate the reimbursement authorized pursuant to this subsection.

(f) For the purpose of this section, employment as a full-time paid employee of a fire department or unit of this State or a political subdivision of this State shall be a pre-existing condition."

SECTION 3. In accordance with section 9 of article VII, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriation contained in this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $ , or per cent. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that the appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest and to meet the need provided for by this Act.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the coverage of the cancer screening services outlined in section 2.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of labor and industrial relations for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________