City of Savannah Fire Department: Cancer Benefit Program
The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (GIRMA) jointly administer the Firefighters’ Cancer Benefit Program, which complies with Georgia’s House Bill 146, effective January 1, 2018. This program offers essential financial support to eligible full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters diagnosed with cancer, aiming to alleviate the financial burdens associated with treatment and recovery.
Key Components of the Program:
- Lump-Sum Cancer Benefit:
- Invasive Cancer Diagnosis: Provides a $25,000 lump-sum payment upon diagnosis.
- Non-Invasive Cancer Diagnosis: Offers a $6,250 lump-sum payment upon diagnosis.
- Lifetime Maximum Benefit: Capped at $50,000 for multiple cancer diagnoses.
- Long-Term Disability (Income Replacement):
- Benefit for Employed Firefighters: Covers 60% of pre-disability earnings, up to a maximum of $5,000 per month.
- Benefit for Volunteer Firefighters: Provides a flat monthly benefit of $1,500.
- Benefit Duration: Up to 36 months, following a 6-month elimination period after becoming disabled due to a covered cancer.
These benefits are designed to cover various expenses, including medical costs not covered by insurance, everyday living expenses, and income replacement during periods when firefighters are unable to work due to their illness. The program is fully insured and backed by The Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company.