Firefighters battling blaze

The Firefighter Cancer Benefit

Firefighters who are diagnosed with certain cancers are eligible to receive certain disability or death benefits

 

What is the purpose of the program?

Florida Statute 112.1816 was enacted by the Legislature and signed into law on July 1, 2019. The statute makes firefighters, who are diagnosed with certain cancers, eligible to received certain disability or death benefits. Specifically, in lieu of pursuing workers’ compensation coverage, a firefighter shall be entitled to benefits as defined under the law.

Benefits

  • A one-time $25,000 cash benefit, paid upon the diagnosis of cancer.
  • Reimbursement of covered out-of-pocket expenses related to the diagnosis of cancer
  • In the event of the firefighter’s death due to a qualifying cancer or complications associated with the qualifying cancer, a death benefit will be administered in accordance with Florida Statute 112.191 (2)(a).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are 21 specific types of cancer compensable listed under the law:

  • Bladder
  • Brain
  • Breast
  • Cervical
  • Colon
  • Esophageal
  • Invasive skin
  • Kidney
  • Large intestinal
  • Lung
  • Malignant melanoma
  • Mesothelioma
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • Oral cavity and pharynx
  • Ovarian
  • Prostate
  • Rectal
  • Stomach
  • Testicular
  • Thyroid

For eligible claims, the law provides for a one-time lump sum cash benefit of $25,000 and reimbursement of covered out-of-pocket costs related to cancer treatment.

Yes, however, for eligible claims, only a reimbursement of covered out-of-pocket costs related to the cancer treatment are payable. Cancer diagnoses prior to July 1, 2019 are not eligible for the lump sum cash benefit of $25,000.

Eligibility for coverage is as follows:

  • Be employed full-time as a firefighter with the City of Tampa at the F.S 112.1816 enacted date of July 1, 2019 and forward
  • The firefighter has not used tobacco products for at least the five preceding years
  • Have been employed by the City of Tampa for five continuous years
  • Have not been employed in any other position in the preceding five years which is proven to create a higher risk for cancer
  • If retired, have been retired less than 10 years at the F.S. 112.1816 enacted date of July 1, 2019 and forward

No.

The FF is covered under the law for up to 10 years after retirement from FT employment with the City of Tampa provided that the firefighter is not subsequently employed as a fire-fighter following that date.

To request the claim package or for more information about this program, contact:

  • Tony Hagler, Benefits Manager
  • Email: Tony.Hagler@tampagov.net
  • Phone: 813-274-8103

The claim package includes the following forms and/or documents:

  • Notice of Initial Diagnosis and Claim of Benefits
  • Affidavit-No Tobacco Product Use in Preceding Five (5) Years
  • Affidavit of All Employment in Preceding Five (5) Years from Date of Diagnosis
  • Out of Pocket Reimbursement Request Form For Deductibles, Copayments or Coinsurance

The following documents must be included with the completed Out-of-Pocket Reimbursement Request:

  • An Explanation of Benefits for each reimbursable expense
  • A printed and legible, itemized receipt of payment

The one-time cash benefit is allowed only for the initial diagnosis of one of the covered cancers (see enumerated cancers above).

This lump sum cash benefit is not provided or allowed for a subsequent new diagnosis, or reoccurrence of the same diagnosis that was formerly in remission.

The lump sum cash benefit is not owed more than once regardless of how many diagnoses of cancer or body parts affected.

These payments are expedited and can be expected within two weeks upon confirmation of meeting the benefit eligibility requirements.

These payments follow the normal payment schedule and can take up to 30 days.