An Act mandating access to cancer screenings for firefighters through health care benefits plans or programs provided by the public employer

This bill requires Massachusetts firefighters, including those in state and local fire departments and military fire departments, to receive cancer screenings. These screenings must occur at least three years after starting employment and every three years thereafter, covering a range of cancers such as colon, lung, bladder, and prostate. The costs of these screenings will be covered by the firefighter’s employer-provided health benefits plan, with no co-pays or out-of-pocket expenses unless the plan would lose its tax-exempt status.