County expands benefits for firefighters with cancer

Former Marion County firefighter Phillip Shinn has settled a lawsuit against the county after being denied health benefits related to cancer [Professional Firefighters of Marion County].

Current and former Marion County firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer will now be eligible for benefits, regardless of their enrollment in the county-sponsored health plan.

While the move overturns two outstanding claims from firefighters of wrongful denial of benefits, retired firefighter Phillip Shinn continues to pursue legal action against the county for the denial of his cancer benefits after his 2016 retirement.

Cancer benefits for firefighters are secured by Florida State Statute, enacted in 2019, to compensate firefighters with a one-time payment of $25,000 and for their out-of-pocket medical costs. To receive these benefits, the current or retired firefighter must have been employed for at least five years and be on the employer’s health plan.

The county’s recent move expands benefits past the state requirements, allowing firefighters to receive this benefit whether or not they are on the Marion County-sponsored health plan, as long as they meet all of the other requirements.

“Through the continued support of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the Professional Firefighters of Marion County, our health, wellness and safety programs are a model for other departments in the state of Florida to emulate,” said Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta.

Regardless of this, Shinn, supported by the PFFMC union, has not received these benefits after his diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a form of leukemia.

Shinn served as a firefighter in Marion County for 22 years, starting in 1994. After retiring from Marion County Fire Rescue in February 2016, Shinn was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in August 2022. Although Shinn had been retired from the department and aged out of its health insurance, he meets all the requirements for health benefits as a retired firefighter suffering from cancer.

While multiple myeloma is a rare form of cancer affecting fewer than 200,000 Americans per year, firefighters are at a 53% increased risk of developing multiple myeloma due to exposure from carcinogens, according to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

A summary judgment hearing for Shinn’s case will be held at 3 p.m. on Oct. 28 before Circuit Judge Gary Sanders. The case was previously heard by Circuit Judge Steven Rodgers, who recused himself from the case in April.

The expansion of firefighter cancer benefits in Marion County overturned two other outstanding claims by the union of wrongful denial of benefits for two firefighters with cancer who were previously denied benefits. They will now receive the cash payout and compensation for their out-of-pocket medical costs.

“This new policy reflects our deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by our firefighters and their families,” said Commission Chair Michelle Stone. “By providing this additional benefit, we hope to offer assistance to those affected by cancer and show our commitment to their health and well-being.”