Indiana bill would require cancer insurance for full-time firefighters

Local public employers would have to provide cancer insurance. This would cover full-time firefighters who are working, retired, or receiving disability benefits under the specified state laws. Employers could buy group policies, run their own insurance programs, or use a state retirement system policy if one is offered. They may pay part of the cost and may not cancel an insurance contract during its term. The requirement would take effect July 1, 2026.

Group health plans set up for firefighters under Indiana Code 5-10-8-2.2 would have to cover specified cancer screenings. The screenings include colon, lung, and bladder cancer, along with other cancers recognized as more common among firefighters. Plans generally could not charge copays, deductibles, or other shared costs. Certain high-deductible plans could charge only what is needed to keep health savings account tax benefits. The rule would apply to policies issued, delivered, amended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2026.

Indiana's Department of Homeland Security would develop a firefighter cancer awareness and prevention program. The program would share ways to lower cancer risk with fire department staff and volunteers. The department would consult medical professionals and relevant industry experts while developing the program. This duty would take effect July 1, 2026.