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Firefighter Denied Cancer Coverage Despite Job Risk
8 Mar
Summary
- Firefighter Mark Jaquez diagnosed with stage four colon cancer.
- Employer denied coverage despite nine-and-a-half years of service.
- New legislation aims to expand firefighter cancer coverage in New Mexico.
Mark Jaquez, a New Mexico firefighter, received a devastating stage four colon cancer diagnosis in November 2017, revealing at least 20 polyps. Despite his nine-and-a-half years of service, his employer denied him healthcare and lost wages coverage, citing insufficient tenure. This left Jaquez, who believed his cancer was job-related due to toxic exposures, with little choice but to work while undergoing demanding treatment.
Jaquez endured radiation for six weeks, followed by surgery to remove polyps and nine rounds of chemotherapy. The treatment severely impacted his health, causing significant weight loss and physical distress. He worked a demanding schedule, often transitioning from treatment directly to his shifts, supported by colleagues who organized fundraisers for his medical deductible.
After years of monitoring, Jaquez was declared in remission in late 2021. His experience, along with that of other firefighters, has prompted legislative action in New Mexico. State House Bill 128, which passed both houses, aims to expand cancer coverage for firefighters and lower the service requirement to five years for eligibility.
