The State of Georgia recognized the need to support its 35,000 firefighters and their families by passing legislation in 2017 (House Bill 146), requiring legally organized fire departments to provide certain cancer benefits for eligible employed and volunteer firefighters.
A cancer diagnosis can happen at any time and leave you emotionally, physically and financially overwhelmed. While traditional health insurance is valuable coverage, it may not cover all the expenses related to your treatment and recovery.
In response to the state’s requirement, The Georgia Firefighter Cancer Benefit Program was created to help bridge the financial gaps that may follow a cancer diagnosis. This cost-effective program is available to members of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) for cities and the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) for counties.
Your group’s coverage, provided by The Hartford, includes:
Critical Illness Insurance (Lump Sum Cancer)*
- A lump sum benefit that is paid when you are diagnosed with a covered cancer.
Long-term Disability Insurance (Partial Income Replacement)*
- When you’re unable to work as a firefighter for a long period of time due to a cancer diagnosis, long-term disability insurance pays a portion of your income every month.
- For an employed firefighter, the monthly benefit amount is 60% of your income, up to $5,000 per month.
- For a volunteer firefighter, the monthly benefit is a flat amount of $1,500.
These benefits can be used in any way you choose to help you focus on your recovery. They can help pay for things like:
- Coinsurance or deductibles for health insurance
- Everyday living expenses such as groceries, mortgage/rent and other bills
- Childcare or caregiver expenses
- Rehabilitation
