It was a hard-fought battle that took nearly three years to finally achieve presumptive workers’ compensation coverage for federal firefighters who may develop breast, cervical, and other cancers due to hazardous exposures on the job. However, just weeks after the Labor Department expanded coverage for these illnesses, concerns arose about the potential jeopardy of these gains under the new Trump administration.
Federal firefighters, who put their lives on the line to protect communities and public lands, expressed their worries about the future of their coverage. Pete Dutchick, a federal firefighter and volunteer with Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, emphasized the importance of ensuring that those who dedicate themselves to public service continue to receive the necessary coverage through the special claims unit.
The establishment of the Labor Department’s special claims unit in 2022 was a significant milestone for federal firefighters. This unit processes all federal firefighter claims and provides a streamlined path for those with covered conditions, including various types of cancer. However, the initial celebration turned sour when it became evident that breast, ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers were excluded from the list, leaving a coverage gap for a significant number of federal wildland firefighters.
The exclusion of female reproductive cancers sparked outrage among advocacy groups, leading to a push for policy changes to rectify the omission. In a last-minute change before the Trump administration took office, federal officials added the cancers to the list, acknowledging the unique occupational hazards faced by women firefighters.
The policy change resulted in immediate action for firefighters with new claims, but concerns arose when the January press release announcing the cancer coverage expansion was deleted from the Labor Department website under the new administration. Questions about the continuation of the expanded coverage lingered, with the agency providing vague responses to inquiries.
Despite the uncertainty, efforts to formalize the policy change through rulemaking and garner support from Congress are underway. The recent inclusion of female reproductive cancers in the coverage is a step in the right direction, addressing the long-standing disparities in recognizing the health risks faced by women firefighters.
Research on wildland firefighter health, particularly in women, has been lacking, highlighting the need for more studies to understand the link between firefighting and cancer risks. Recent findings have shed light on the exposure of firefighters to toxic substances, such as PFAS chemicals found in their protective gear, and their potential impact on cancer development.
As federal firefighters await clarity on the future of their coverage, the importance of streamlined processing and reimbursements for cancer-related claims cannot be understated. Ensuring that those who put their lives on the line to protect others receive the necessary support and care in the face of occupational hazards is crucial for their well-being and peace of mind.
