There are so many ways that the Family and Business Health Security Act, SB 400/ HB 2551, will benefit municipalities, including the obvious one of significantly reducing the cost of health insurance premiums. Boroughs, cities, school districts, and counties would also save on the cost of worker's compensation and auto medical liability coverage. But here is a new area for savings that I just learned about. Last year the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed the Firefighter Cancer Prevention Act, designating cancer as an occupational disease for paid and volunteer firefighters. These valiant first responders who serve at least 4 years would have 11.5 years after leaving the service to file a claim. That is double the average window for other worker's compensation claims. Some local municipalities are anticipating that the premiums for coverage of their firefighters will double. For example, Penn Township's premium would increase from around $32,500 to $64,500.
No reasonable person would deny this worker's compensation coverage for firefighters who put their health and lives on the line for their communities, but people are also naturally anxious about any increase in local taxes, especially when state and federal budgets are limited and the economy is creaking along. SB 400/ HB 2551 would at least eliminate the need for the firefighter's coverage to include medical care, a significant portion of worker's comp expense. Of course, let's not forget that the bills would also provide tax credits for all volunteer first responders, supporting this vital service to the Commonwealth.
No reasonable person would deny this worker's compensation coverage for firefighters who put their health and lives on the line for their communities, but people are also naturally anxious about any increase in local taxes, especially when state and federal budgets are limited and the economy is creaking along. SB 400/ HB 2551 would at least eliminate the need for the firefighter's coverage to include medical care, a significant portion of worker's comp expense. Of course, let's not forget that the bills would also provide tax credits for all volunteer first responders, supporting this vital service to the Commonwealth.
