Delaware volunteer firefighters welcome Affordable Care Act fix

Senator Coons shared good news with volunteer firefighters and first responders from across the state on Monday about a fix to the Affordable Care Act that will spare volunteer fire companies undue financial hardship.

After hearing concerns from the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, Chris began pressuring the White House in December to clarify that volunteer firefighters would not be considered employees of volunteer fire companies under the Affordable Care Act, potentially triggering the law’s coverage mandate for businesses with more than 50 employees.

Last month, Chris cosponsored legislation to clarify the law and sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew urging the administration to explore a fix for this issue independent of Congress. On Friday, Chris received a response from the Treasury Department announcing plans to issue new guidance to ensure volunteer emergency responders will not be counted as employees.

“Volunteer fire companies are an important part of the fabric of our communities,,” Chris said. “While the Affordable Care Act is already doing a lot of good for a lot of people, it isn’t perfect. This issue needed to be fixed so our volunteer fire companies can continue to do their life-saving work.” 

Delaware has more than 60 volunteer fire companies statewide, and most do not have the resources to provide pay or benefits to volunteers. The majority of volunteer first-responders have other full-time employment, and do not expect to receive compensation or health coverage as a result of their volunteer public service.

“Since Republicans’ commitment to repealing the law is making it impossible for us to repair the law, it was important for the President to step in,” Chris said. “I am still hopeful that Congress can come together to fix other issues with the Affordable Care Act that can only be repaired with legislation, but am grateful for the administration's action today.”