St. Johns County provides benefit coverage required by the firefighter cancer benefit law (Florida Statute 112.1816) that went into effect on July 1, 2019. Coverage is offered by The Hartford through a partnership with the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT).
A full-time employed firefighter would be eligible for coverage under the program if the following criteria are met:
Please note that the law requires employers to provide Lump-Sum coverage to firefighters who have separated from service within the last 10 years so long as the firefighter elects to continue the employer-sponsored health plan or group health insurance trust fund after separation.
Lump-Sum Cancer Benefit (Plan 1) A $25,000 cash benefit, paid upon the diagnosis of cancer, may be used to meet the firefighter’s financial needs.
Death Benefit A $75,000 cash benefit will be paid in the event of the firefighter’s death due to complications associated with cancer. The cause of death must be confirmed by a Physician who is board certified in the medical specialty that is appropriate for the type of cancer involved.
To update your beneficiaries, complete a Beneficiary Designation Form, and submit to St. Johns County Personnel Services Department.
How to File a Claim
Firefighters should visit the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT) to download a claim form or call The Hartford at 800.461.9326. The Critical Illness/Lump Sum claim must be initiated by the firefighter submitting the claim.