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This came up as we were discussing the 9-11 rescuers having to fight for continued health benefits (or being denied them).
My understanding is that firefighters have excellent benefits for life. My BIL is one. So were these rescuers NOT firefighters, or why don't they have automatic health care for their continued health issues? Other gov't workers get good health care, so who are these struggling rescuers? Of course it's heartbreaking they can't get the help they need.
This came up as we were discussing the 9-11 rescuers having to fight for continued health benefits (or being denied them).
My understanding is that firefighters have excellent benefits for life. My BIL is one. So were these rescuers NOT firefighters, or why don't they have automatic health care for their continued health issues? Other gov't workers get good health care, so who are these struggling rescuers? Of course it's heartbreaking they can't get the help they need.
The fund not only covers the official first responders, but also the civilians and volunteers who were in the area during and after the attack. All the people who working and living in the area are suffering from the same ailments as the actual first responders, and not all of the first responders were police and firefighters.
For those responders who are police and firefighters, not all insurances will cover injuries and diseases caused by acts of terrorism or acts of war, and some will deny benefits if the responders were volunteering at the time and not officially on the clock.
IDK any details re NY, but it's also possible that firefighters, police, EMS and other people would not be covered by employer's group medical plans, but instead by Worker's Compensation, which in most states is notorious for denying and/or delaying benefits.
The fund not only covers the official first responders, but also the civilians and volunteers who were in the area during and after the attack. All the people who working and living in the area are suffering from the same ailments as the actual first responders, and not all of the first responders were police and firefighters.
For those responders who are police and firefighters, not all insurances will cover injuries and diseases caused by acts of terrorism or acts of war, and some will deny benefits if the responders were volunteering at the time and not officially on the clock.
OK, thanks, that makes sense. I forgot about the volunteer aspect and also the terrorism. Poor people that get caught in the literal cross-fire of that! Left on your own for medical costs!
If your BIL has excellent benefits for life, expect that to change. Those types of retirement packages are no longer sustainable for public employees. Ohio has recently done away with health insurance for police and fire retirees. You buy a private policy until you are old enough for medicaid kicks in.
And many get paid too. I know one who makes $150K a year.
...ok.. what does that have to do with OPs question...yes being a firefighter is for the most of the time a paid job. But if you volunteer you don't have the benefits. My Fil is one in a small rural town.
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