Firefighter Heart and Circulatory Malfunction Benefits (FCB) Program.

The Firefighter Cancer and Cardiac Benefit (FCCB) Program is administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and is designed to reimburse qualifying employers for the costs associated with maintaining insurance coverage or alternate plans that provide mandated cancer and cardiac-related benefits to firefighters, as required by Colorado Revised Statute (CRS) 29-5-302. Effective July 1, 2024, DOLA oversees the administration of the FCCB Fund. This initiative is part of a broader mandate to ensure firefighter health and safety by reimbursing municipalities, fire authorities, special districts, and similar qualifying employers for eligible expenses. The primary purpose of the FCCB Program is to reduce the financial burden on employers who are required to provide benefits covering firefighter cancer and cardiac-related health issues. Coverage must meet the specifications laid out in CRS 29-5-302 and is typically secured through a multiple employer health trust, unless the employer is exempt under Senate Bill 24-089. The program does not provide benefits directly to individual firefighters, nor does it cover personal insurance policies or claims. Instead, it strictly reimburses qualifying employers for their direct costs associated with approved insurance coverage or alternate plans. To be eligible for reimbursement under this program, employers must fall into one of several categories: municipalities, special districts, fire authorities, county improvement districts, or the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. Covered individuals must be active full-time, part-time, or volunteer firefighters who perform fire protection services and have at least five years of continuous service with the same employer. Different hour thresholds apply to part-time employees, and special criteria define what constitutes a volunteer firefighter. Application for reimbursement must be completed through the online DOLA grants portal. Employers must submit invoices and proof of coverage, detailing the plan name, effective date, duration, benefits, number of covered individuals, and cost to the employer. Each request must be certified by an authorized employer representative using DOLA-issued credentials. Employers are advised to submit reimbursement requests within 90 days of the insurance plan’s effective date to maximize the chance of receiving funds. Reimbursement eligibility only applies to costs incurred on or after January 1, 2015, despite plans being effective as early as July 1, 2014. The submission deadline for reimbursement requests tied to a specific state fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) is July 10 of the following fiscal year. Employers are strongly encouraged to submit by May 1 to allow time for document corrections if needed. If the FCCB Fund is depleted during the fiscal year, employers may choose to maintain coverage without reimbursement, as the benefit mandate becomes optional under CRS 29-1-304.5. DOLA may also conduct audits and require employers to maintain documentation for a minimum of three years post-reimbursement. For support, employers can refer to the FCCB program’s FAQ or contact Chris Ockwig at chris.ockwig@state.co.us or 720-795-8434, or Program Assistant Alacia Isom at alacia.isom@state.co.us or 720-766-4999. Additional assistance is available via the DOLA Help Desk at dola_dlg_helpdesk@state.co.us or by phone at 303-864-7720. The program office is located at 1313 Sherman Street, Suite 521, Denver, CO 80203.

Submit by May 1 to allow resubmission if needed; ensure documents are complete.