Cancer Presumption Bill's New Approach: One-Time Payout Plus Group Health

Three Florida Senate committees have given unanimous support to a bill that would sidestep the workers' compensation system altogether for firefighters' cancer presumption. The Senate Appropriations Committee last week on Thursday voted 19-0 for Senate Bill 426, which spells out 21 cancers that would be compensable for firefighters. But instead of monthly wage-replacement benefits, the measure would provide a one-time payout of $25,000. It also would require the employer to offer group health insurance for up to 10 years after the firefighter stops working. Sponsored by Sen...