Question 1

What cancers are covered under the Law?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

What are the benefits under the law?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Are covered cancers diagnosed prior to the July 1, 2019 effective date covered by the Program?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What are the eligibility criteria for coverage under this program?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for coverage is as follows:

Be employed full-time as a firefighter with Hillsborough County 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 Hillsborough County 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

Question 5

Is the program available for volunteer firefighters?

Accepted Answer

Question 6

If a five plus year program-eligible FF retires from Hillsborough County and is diagnosed with a covered cancer under the law, is he/she eligible for the $25,000 benefit?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

How does a firefighter obtain additional information and/or submit a claim under the Program?

Accepted Answer

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

Rebecca Buehrle, Benefits & Retirement Manager
Email: buehrler@hcfl.gov
Phone: (813) 276-2728
Fax: (813) 272-1160

Question 8

What is included in a claim package?

Accepted Answer

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

Employee/Retiree Notice of Cancer Diagnosis and Claim for Benefits
Employee/Retiree Tobacco Free Affidavit
Out-of-Pocket Reimbursement Request
IRS W-9 (Retirees only)
Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Direct Deposit Authorization (Retirees only)

Note: Employees that do not yet have direct deposit for their paychecks and who want the cancer benefit funds to be direct deposited will need to submit a direct deposit form, a W-9, and a voided check

Question 9

What supporting documentation is required to be reimbursed for covered out-of-pocket expenses?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

Is the lump sum cash benefit a one-time benefit or for each new diagnosis of a covered cancer?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

When can I expect my $25,000 payment?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

When can I expect payment for out-of-pocket cost?

Accepted Answer

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

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?

Benefits

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