Are You An Active or Retired Firefighter

Diagnosed with Cancer?

Effective July 1, 2019, section 112.1816, Florida Statutes, the Firefighters; Cancer Diagnosis 

law was enacted.  This law provides benefits the firefighter or their beneficiary to receive:

The 21 covered cancers are:

Bladder cancer                        Brain cancer                            Breast cancer

Cervical cancer                        Colon cancer                           Esophageal cancer

Invasive skin cancer                Kidney cancer                         Large intestinal cancer

Lung cancer                             Malignant melanoma             Mesothelioma

Multiple myeloma                  Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma      Oral cavity/pharynx cancer

Ovarian cancer                        Prostate cancer                       Rectal cancer

Stomach cancer                      Testicular cancer                     Thyroid cancer

Additional criteria:

• Firefighter has been employed by his or her employer for at least 5 continuous years, has not used tobacco products for at least the preceding 5 years, and has not been employed in any other position in the preceding 5 years which is proven to create a higher risk for any cancer.
• Retired Firefighters are eligible one-time 25K payout upon diagnosis up to 10 years after retirement date.
• Retired firefighters are eligible for out-of-pocket healthcare cost reimbursement by PBCFR for up to 10 years after retirement date, if the firefighter continues coverage in the employer-sponsored health plan (Firefighter Employee Benefit Fund) or group health insurance trust fund after he or she retires.  

For More Information or to Start a Claim:

Amerisys - https://www.amerisys-info.com/fcap/Home/Register

Once you have registered, your employment will be verified, 

and a packet will follow for completion.

Camila Campelo, USIS/AmeriSys

Ph: 407-373-6324

camila.campelo@usis-tpa.com

You can also contact your union with questions or for assistance obtaining benefits

Local 2928 (561) 969-0729

PBCFR Firefighter Cancer Benefits - Senate Bill 426

PBCFR is working side by side with risk management to create a process that will provide the best service to our employees. The ambiguity of the bill has left a lot of questions unanswered. However, rest assure that your department erring on the side of the employee. As we work to create a seamless process, that does not over burden our employees or create unnecessary delay. Below is an outline of what we know. 

To qualify for Senate Bill 426 Firefighter Cancer Benefits, you must meet the following criteria.

1. You have either been employed continuously as a full-time firefighter with the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, for at least five years or have been retired for no greater than ten years. Your primary employment responsibilities have been the prevention and extinguishing of fires; the protection of life and property; and the enforcement of municipal, county, and state fire prevention codes and laws pertaining to the prevention and control of fires.
2. Have not used tobacco products for at least the preceding five (5) years prior to receiving any benefits paid, or payable, under 112.1816, Florida Statutes.
3. Have not been employed in any other position outside of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue in the preceding five (5) years prior to receiving any benefits paid, or payable under Fl. Statute Section 112.1816, which is proven to create a higher risk of any cancer.
4. Have not been employed as a firefighter with another employer at any time during the 10-year period after your employment terminated with the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (if applicable).
5. Have insurance with Palm Beach County Firefighters Employee Benefits Fund
6. Have not filed a claim and have chosen not to pursue workers’ compensation benefits under chapter 440 related to cancer.

If you meet the above criteria and your cancer was diagnosed after July 1, 2019 you will qualify for a one-time cash payout of $25,000 and reimbursements for out-of-pocket expense deductibles or copayments incurred due to treatment of cancer under section 112.1816 Florida Statues. 

If your cancer was diagnosed prior to July 1, 2019 you will not qualify for the one-time cash payout of 25,000 and your out of pocket expense will only be covered for treatment received after July 1, 2019. 

PBCFR will not take taxes out of funds paid through this benefit, you will however receive a 1099 for the payments at the end of the year.  We advise you to talk with your tax attorney on how to proceed.

For the purpose of determining leave time and retention policies, PBCFR will consider all covered cancers as an illness incurred in the line of duty. All request for leave will be processed through the Wellness Coordinator. If the leave is needed prior to the completion of the AmeriSys approval your time will be credited back to your account. All leave requests will be processed through the Wellness Coordinator.

The Florida Firefighter Cancer Bill Payout and Reimbursement Program (FFCBPRP) is voluntary program available to all affected qualifying employees who have been diagnosed with an eligible cancer condition as outlined under Florida SB 426 effective July 1, 2019 and who have elected to forego filing a workers’ compensation claim under Chapter 440. The Program is administered accordingly to federal rules, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, as applicable, among others. If you choose to participate in the FFCBPRP you will be asked to complete and remit multiple related forms, including but not limited to personal affirmations, medical and diagnosis materials and receipts received from providers regarding your medical condition, explanation of benefits and other requested materials including deductible and other expenditure information from insurers and TPA’s, as it relates to the eligible cancers covered by this bill, or resulting from the treatment thereof.

Qualifying employees who choose to participate in this reimbursement and diagnosis payment program are required to complete the associated relevant forms as a condition to receive the diagnosis payout, and any out of pocket reimbursement for treatment and of the cancer condition.  

Risk Management has contracted with AmeriSys to be the Firefighter Cancer Administration Programmer. In short, they will process all of your forms for PBCFR and ensure that the employee qualifies.  

This is how it will work. Once you are diagnosed with one of the 21 covered cancers, Go to https://www.amerisys-info.com/fcap/Home/Register to register. Once you have filled out the initial form, it will be submitted to our payroll department for employment verification. Upon receipt of the verification, Amerisys will send you an email letting you know that the additional forms are now uploaded and ready for you to fill out. If you have any problems navigating the sight contact Camila, see information below, and please cc me on any correspondence.    

 Camila Campelo

USIS/AmeriSys

Ph: 407-373-6324

camila.campelo@usis-tpa.com

I do not know how long it will take for AmeriSys to approve all of your information. However, I can tell you that once we receive the approval we will work quickly to get you the benefits you deserve. You may contact the Wellness Coordinator or myself with any questions you may have. I will continue to update you with new information as I receive it.

Kimberly Hude, Deputy Chief of Administration