Proposal Process for PTSD Coverage Begins

Effective January 1, 2025, HB 451, the Ashley Wilson Act (“the Act”) requires that all state and local governments must provide critical illness and long-term disability coverage to eligible first responders, which will provide financial assistance in the event of a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. The volume of first responders in the Georgia cities, counties, and state helped lower the cost of coverage and provided the market clout to design a program through the ACCG – Interlocal Risk Management Agency (ACCG-IRMA) that is compliant with Georgia law.

 

ACCG-IRMA’s estimated cost is $150 per first responder for both coverages. While not identical to the Firefighters’ Cancer Benefit Program, the administration will be handled much the same, with bi-annual census requests and billing to spread the cost. (If a county already pays for first responders’ long-term disability coverage, the county’s current provider may be able to extend that coverage to meet that requirement of the law and only need to purchase the critical illness coverage.)

 

In early September, ACCG will be contacting all Georgia counties and county-related authorities to request census information for the eligible employees and volunteers. The designated contacts, likely those in human resources, will receive the quote proposal and the Participation Agreement/Application related to this program no later than the end of October. Coverage can easily be bound before the effective date of January 1, 2025.

 

Should you have any questions, please click here for more information, or contact Dena Stewart or Ashley Abercrombie at 404.522.5022.