Fort Oglethorpe secures cancer insurance for firefighters

FORT OGLETHORPE — The city of Fort Oglethorpe recently joined the trend of neighboring municipalities by securing cancer insurance for firefighters, which will be state mandated beginning Jan. 1, 2018.

Earlier this year, Gov. Nathan Deal signed House Bill 146, which requires municipalities to carry lump-sum cancer benefit and longterm disability insurance coverage for firefighters.

Catoosa County acquired the needed coverage in late November and Fort Oglethorpe City Manager Jennifer Payne-Simpkins presented her City Council with coverage options on Dec. 11.

“House Bill 146 was signed by the governor this past legislative session, and it requires cities or counties with a fire department to provide critical illness and income replacement if cancer is contracted while on the job by a firefighter,” Payne-Simpkins explained. “The firefighters who contract cancer while on the job will be eligible for extra health insurance beginning Jan. 1, 2018.”

The council unanimously approved coverage through the Georgia Municipal Association.

“BB&T got one quote on the city’s behalf from Ace American Insurance for $11,180,” Payne-Simpkins said. “GMA is also offering a policy for $8,720. We recommend using GMA’s offer for lump-sum cancer benefit and long-term disability insurance.”

In addition to the firefighter cancer insurance, the city also unanimously approved a new worker’s compensation insurance agreement.

Adam Cook, Catoosa County News