All claims for benefits originating under Option II from and after October 1, 1979 shall be payable as provided in section 72-1434 through section 72-1451, Idaho Code. All claims for benefits being paid or originating prior to October 1, 1979 shall be payable as provided in section 72-1447, Idaho Code, so long as such claims or benefits are entitled to be paid, as that section existed prior to July 1, 1976; provided, however, that any firefighter incapacitated in the performance of duty prior to the effective date of any claims under this chapter shall be entitled to benefits under Option II, if said firefighter and his or her employer have been contributing the required contributions under sections 72-1431 and 72-1432, Idaho Code.