Recommend awarding an annual contract to the Georgia Municipal Association for $45,414.00 for enrollment in the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA)-Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (GIRMA) Georgia Firefighters’ Cancer Benefit Program.

Effective January 1, 2018, Georgia law requires all legally organized fire departments to provide and maintain specific cancer insurance coverages for all members of the fire department that meet the definition of “firefighter” as defined in Code Section 25-4-2. Subject to eligibility requirements, the Firefighter Cancer Insurance bill (House Bill 146), contains provisions for both a critical illness (lump sum) benefit and a disability (income replacement) benefit.

The GMA has worked with insurance industry experts to identify the most cost-effective means for Georgia’s cities to acquire the necessary coverage to be in compliance with the new law. While there are cancer plans available in the marketplace, the plans may not meet the unique requirements of HB 146.

The GMA-GIRMA Georgia Firefighters’ Cancer Benefit Program, made available to GMA member cities, will be fully insured and backed by a carrier with an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent). This is a sole source procurement due to the specialization of this coverage.

Approval