The PFFASC first drafted fire fighter cancer legislation in 2017. Which then began a  3 year collaborative process between legislators, fellow state fire associations, and partnered lobbyist. In October 2020, after 2 legislative sessions, revisions and votes, Governor Henry McMaster (R) signed the "South Carolina Firefighter Cancer Health Benefit Plan".

• The “Firefighter Cancer Health Care Benefit Plan” is a supplemental insurance policy and will; upon a diagnosis of cancer, a firefighter is entitled to the following benefits, if a firefighter has been in a South Carolina Fire Department for at least 5(five) continuous years and within 10(ten) years of last date of active service.

• Reimburse up to $12,000 annually to the firefighter for any out of pocket expenses to include but not limited to; deductibles, copayments, or coinsurances costs incurred

• A benefit of $20,000 upon the firefighter’s diagnosis as defined, not to exceed 1 benefit payment per calendar year. Additional benefit available upon 12-month remission and separate diagnosis.

• A $75,000 death benefit for a firefighter who dies as a result of cancer or circumstances

• A firefighter that dies as a result of cancer or circumstances the arise of treatment are considered to have died in the line of duty.

• Who is Covered?

  • “Fire Department” means any organization providing rescue, fire suppression, and related activities including any public or government sponsored organizations engaged in rescue, fire suppression, and related activities 40-80-10(b)(4)

• “Firefighter” 40-80-10(5) means any person, male or female, paid or unpaid, who engages in rescue, fire suppression, or related activities under the supervision of a fire chief or fire department.

• What Cancers are Covered?“Cancer” includes malignant neoplasms of the following body areas and organ systems:

  • Central / Peripheral Nervous System

  • Oropharyngeal

  • Respiratory Tract

  • Gastrointestinal Tract

  • Hepatobiliary

  • Solid Organ / Endocrine

  • Genitourinary / Male Reproductive • GYN

  • Skin / Soft Tissue / Breast

  • Bone / Blood

(Oct 2020) IAFF 12th District Vice President Dix and PFFASC President Odachowski stand with local presidents after signing the Firefighter Health Care Benefit Plan at the South Carolina Fire Academy.

(FEB 2019)  Left to right: PFFASC Vice President  Pesature, SC District 99 Rep. Nancy Mace (R), SC District 66 Rep Gilda Cobb-Hunter (D), and PFFASC President  Odachowski stand together after the first introduction of the South Carolina Firefighter Cancer Bill.

(JAN 2020) The PFFASC, South Carolina Fire Chiefs Association, South Carolina Firefighters Association, Carney Strong Initiative, and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network South Carolina form the South Carolina Firefighter Cancer Coalition.

(Oct 2020) Governor (R) Henry McMaster signs Firefighter Cancer Health Care Benefit Plan at the South Carolina State Fire Academy.