HARTFORD, CT — The State of Connecticut will expand healthcare benefits for firefighters beginning May 1, offering free enhanced cancer screenings to those enrolled in the state employee health plan and Partnership Plan.
The decision comes amid mounting data linking occupational exposure to carcinogens and an increased risk of cancer among firefighters.
More than 900 firefighters are expected to qualify for the new benefit, which includes a comprehensive full-body scan once every two years.
The scans are designed to detect early-stage cancers before symptoms appear.
Early detection is widely acknowledged to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the physical, emotional, and financial toll on patients and their families.
The initiative is projected to cost the state approximately $150,000 annually.
Officials noted that the cost of late-stage cancer care and its broader impact on public safety agencies far exceeds the cost of preventive screenings.
The program is a joint effort between Governor Ned Lamont’s administration and State Comptroller Sean Scanlon’s office. It was developed in partnership with the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut and supported by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Eligible firefighters can schedule appointments and find local providers by visiting carecompass.ct.gov.
