Bill Would Exempt Volunteer Agencies from Healthcare Mandate

Jan. 16--By a unanimous vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill co-sponsored by the area's two congressmen that would exempt emergency services volunteer organizations from needing to comply with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's requirement to provide health care for employees.

Groups with more than 50 employees must offer health insurance for those working 30-plus hours per week.

No distinction is made between paid workers and volunteers.

The Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act, put forth, in part, by U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus, R-Sewickley, and U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Hollidaysburg, would make sure departments do not need to count volunteers as actual full-time employees.

Earlier this week, the House voted 401-0 to suspend the rules and pass the bill, a procedure used for noncontroversial legislation.

"Most of our communities in Pennsylvania receive fire protection from volunteers," Rothfus said. "One of my staff is a volunteer firefighter in Johnstown, and like him, these volunteers see it as a civic duty to pitch in where help is needed.

"They risk their lives, and sacrifice hours away from family to help friends and neighbors return safely to theirs. I have spent considerable time in Congress working on ways to dismantle harmful provisions of the president's health care law. Giving our volunteer firefighters relief from mandates that threaten to shut their departments down is not just a matter of policy, but is in the interest of the public's safety for communities throughout the 12th district."

Following the vote, Shuster discussed his opposition to the act.

"The American people are well aware of the damaging impact this law has had on middle class families and small businesses, but its costly reach goes much deeper," the 9th district's congressman said. "It is outrageous that many volunteer fire companies could be at risk of closing because of this broken law."

Representatives of some local volunteer fire companies offered their support for the bill.

"With the countless hours volunteer firemen spend responding on alarms, training, fundraising, etc. these volunteers do not need an additional hurdle that may jeopardize a department's financial position," Matt Barczak, treasurer of Hope Fire Company in Northern Cambria, said.

"Volunteer fire departments do not need additional operating expenses such as Obamacare."

Tom Callihan, Oakland Volunteer Fire Company's fire administrator, predicted dire consequences if the law is not changed.

He said supplying health care insurance would cost his department tens of thousands of dollars.

"For us, that would just be insurmountable," Callihan said.

Callihan called the bill "just common sense."

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Dave Sutor is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at (814) 532-5056. Follow him on Twitter @Dave_Sutor.

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