Protect the Firefighters
Who Protect Maryland
A 0.35% fire-insurance surcharge — about $4 to $6 a year for the typical homeowner — would fund annual, no-cost cancer screening for every Maryland firefighter, and build the evidence base for early cancer detection for all Marylanders.
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Every county, every department. Career, volunteer, active, and retired firefighters across all 24 Maryland jurisdictions would qualify for annual, no-cost cancer screening under the Fund.
The Framework Exists.
The Funding Does Not.
Maryland created the law for firefighter cancer prevention — but never the recurring revenue to deliver it.
Firefighters face cumulative carcinogen exposure from fire suppression, overhaul, and diesel exhaust that standard screening guidelines were never designed to address. Career, volunteer, active, and retired firefighters all remain largely unscreened.
A Small Surcharge.
A Statewide Solution.
A 0.35% surcharge on fire-insurance premiums raises roughly $4–5 million a year — enough to screen every Maryland firefighter, every year.
Not a tax on individuals — a regulatory fee on insurers, dedicated to a special, non-lapsing fund. Maryland already uses insurance-linked revenue for the State Fire Marshal, MEMA, and the Health Benefit Exchange.
Every Marylander Benefits
Congress opened a pathway for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection tests beginning in 2028. Maryland's screening data can help make that coverage real.
Firefighters
Delivers annual no-cost screening, follow-up on abnormal results, and reimbursement to counties and departments.
Public Health
Real-world evidence supports FDA, CMS, and private-payer coverage of early detection — and private payers typically follow Medicare.
Innovation Economy
Funds competitive grants to Maryland companies in quantum computing, data analysis, and next-generation screening technology. Aligned with the Governor's “Capital of Quantum” agenda and Maryland's life-sciences economy.
Add Your Support
The Firefighter Innovative Multi-Cancer Screening Fund – Fire Insurance Surcharge Act takes effect July 1, 2027. Here is what the bill does — and how you can help it pass.
What the Bill Does
- Creates a special, non-lapsing Fund for firefighter cancer screening
- Imposes a 0.35% surcharge on fire-insurance premiums, collected by insurers
- Covers career, volunteer, active, and retired firefighters statewide
- Funds Maryland-based research and next-generation screening technology
- Requires an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly
Sponsor or co-sponsor the bill.
Sign the coalition letter of support.
Contact your delegation and tell them $5 a year is worth it.