ACCG-IRMA Launches Firefighters’ Cancer Benefit Program

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After months of effort from many parties across the State, the ACCG – Interlocal Risk Management Agency (ACCG-IRMA) Firefighters’ Cancer Benefit Program was successfully launched on January 1, 2018. One hundred nine (109) Georgia counties elected to become charter members of the program. This is the large majority of the county-operated fire departments, since some counties utilize non-profit organizations for fire protection.

This was an excellent start for this new program, which was designed to help Georgia counties satisfy the new requirements of House Bill 146 (2017). Essentially, Georgia law now requires that firefighters who have served 12 consecutive months with their respective legally organized fire departments are eligible for certain cancer benefits, consisting of Lump Sum/Critical Illness coverage and Long-Term Disability (Income Replacement). The cancer diagnosis must occur on or after January 1, 2018.

The ACCG-IRMA Board of Trustees, with the support of Chairman John Daniell, authorized the creation of a program in July of 2017 to assist Georgia counties in obtaining the newly required coverages. Georgia county leaders, the Georgia State Firefighters Association, the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs and others were involved in communicating their expertise and viewpoints. The Georgia Department of Insurance and Georgia Firefighters Standards & Training Council were helpful as well, providing knowledge and assistance in their respective areas. In addition, the ACCG-IRMA Administrator, Willis Towers Watson, and The Hartford, the carrier that provides the underlying coverages, were invaluable to the successful start of the Firefighters’ Cancer Benefit Program. Most importantly, this program would not have gotten off the ground without the assistance of the Georgia county boards of commissioners, their staff and the county fire departments. They provided the required firefighter census data necessary to develop proposals and executed the enrollment documents upon electing to join the program.

According to ACCG Insurance Programs Deputy Director Ashley Abercrombie, "The large amount of participation by Georgia counties enabled us to negotiate the required coverages at competitive rates with The Hartford. Plus, rates are guaranteed for the first three years of the program."

This state-wide effort allowed Georgia counties to work together to create a program that will aid firefighters in the event they contract cancer. Due to collaborative efforts, these newly required coverages are being provided at an affordable price through the ACCG-IRMA Firefighters’ Cancer Benefit Program.

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