Bill Overview
Title: Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022
Description: 2022 This bill provides federal workers' compensation to firefighters who contract certain illnesses as a result of their service. Specifically, the bill provides that heart disease, lung disease, and specified cancers of federal employees employed in fire protection activities for at least 5 years are presumed to be proximately caused by such employment if the employee is diagnosed with the disease within 10 years of employment. The Department of Labor must periodically review the bill's listed diseases and conditions and make appropriate additions. An employee in fire protection activities is a firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, rescue worker, ambulance personnel, or hazardous material worker, who (1) is trained in fire suppression; (2) has the legal authority and responsibility to engage in fire suppression; (3) is engaged in the prevention, control, and extinguishment of fires or response to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk; and (4) performs such activities as a primary responsibility. Additionally, the Department of Interior and the Department of Agriculture must jointly study the long-term health effects experienced by federal wildland firefighters who are eligible for workers' compensation. The bill also requires Labor to revise regulations so as to allow at least 60 days (rather than at least 30 days) for a claimant to submit any additional evidence that is requested by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs to support a federal workers' compensation claim.
Sponsors: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE]
Target Audience
Population: Federal firefighters and related fire protection workers
Estimated Size: 250000
- The bill specifically covers federal firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other individuals engaged in fire protection activities under federal employment.
- These individuals who have been employed for at least 5 years, and who contract heart disease, lung disease, or certain cancers, within 10 years of employment, are covered.
- The Department of Labor and the Departments of Interior and Agriculture will be conducting studies and revisions which imply oversight and legislative oversight, suggesting a federal scope.
Reasoning
- The primary beneficiaries of the policy will be federal firefighters and those in similar emergency response roles with a tenure of at least five years.
- Not all individuals in the related roles will benefit immediately, as the policy mainly addresses those diagnosed with specific illnesses caused by their employment.
- Long-term effects might include better awareness and preventive measures for health issues caused by firefighting.
- There will be federal oversight and studies involved, which will likely result in improved future policies and addition of more covered illnesses.
- Financial constraints imply that there will be a prioritization in the cases covered, as initial funds may not suffice to cover all potential claims.
Simulated Interviews
Federal Firefighter (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am really relieved that my condition is recognized as job-related.
- This policy gives me peace of mind, knowing I won't face financial ruin due to medical bills.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 1 |
Paramedic (New Mexico)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing that this policy exists makes me feel more secure in my job.
- I think it will encourage early detection and health monitoring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Retired Firefighter (Texas)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I wish this had been in place during my active years.
- It’s a good move, but more retrospective coverage would be helpful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 2 |
Wildland Firefighter (Colorado)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy encourages me to remain in this career path.
- I’m hopeful it will lead to better health resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Emergency Medical Technician (Florida)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel supported knowing that my job's impact on my health is recognized.
- It’s critical for job retention and satisfaction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Rescue Worker (Ohio)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a reassurance for the future.
- Hopefully, it will extend to cover more conditions over time.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Hazardous Material Worker (Alaska)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having this safety net changes how we view our jobs and risks.
- Encourages us to report and treat health issues early.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
Ambulance Personnel (Washington D.C.)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s a relief this policy exists; it could be crucial for me down the line.
- I hope it leads to preventative medical check-ups.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Federal Firefighter (New York)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a lifesaver, quite literally.
- It ensures I can focus on my treatment without worrying about finances.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 1 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 1 |
Wildland Firefighter (Montana)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I am healthy now, it's good to know there’s a safety net.
- Would love to see more mental health support too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $52000000 (Low: $41000000, High: $62000000)
Year 3: $54000000 (Low: $42000000, High: $64000000)
Year 5: $58000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $68000000)
Year 10: $66000000 (Low: $51000000, High: $78000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $75000000, High: $120000000)
Key Considerations
- The potential increase in workers' compensation claims and associated costs due to presumptive conditions covered.
- Administrative burdens and costs to update and maintain the list of diseases and conduct regular reviews.
- Possible health prevention and safety strategy improvements resulting from the studies mandated by the bill.