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Committee looking into care for firefighters diagnosed with cancer

Posted at 6:12 PM, Oct 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-18 21:12:15-04

PHOENIX — A new ad hoc committee in Arizona is tackling what it's calling a growing problem facing firefighters - cancer and making sure their care is paid for.

The committee held its first meeting this week. It's made up of lawmakers, doctors, insurance companies and cities. The issue, some medical claims by firefighters who have job related cancer are being denied.

"Having the city or the insurance companies who are making money hand over fist, refusing to cover these guys, seeing them continually denied, it frustrates the heck out of me," said Senator Paul Boyer who represents District 20. "It makes me angry."

Boyer, who heads up the committee, says they will eventually draft legislation for the next session addressing these concerns. He would like to see the state kick in money to cities who have firefighters with job related cancer claims. Boyer would also like to see early cancer screenings for all firefighters in the state.

The committee is expected to meet again in the next few weeks.