Firefighter Cancer and Cardiac Benefit Program
The Firefighter Cancer and Cardiac Benefit Program from the Department of Local Affairs reimburses employers for costs of providing mandated cancer and cardiac health benefits to firefighters.
Funder: Department of Local Affairs
Due Dates: August 20, 2026 (application window opens) | September 25, 2026 (application window closes) | July 10, 2027 (annual final deadline for prior fiscal year requests)
Funding Amounts: State fiscal year allocation: $1,300,000; reimbursement for direct employer costs of qualifying firefighter cancer and cardiac benefits; no published per-award cap.
Summary: Reimburses eligible local government employers for the costs of providing state-mandated cancer and cardiac insurance or benefit plans to qualifying firefighters.
Key Information: Priority given to part-time and volunteer firefighter reimbursements; early application is strongly encouraged due to limited funds.
Description
The Firefighter Cancer and Cardiac Benefit Program, administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), provides reimbursement to qualifying employers for the direct costs of maintaining insurance coverage or alternate benefit plans that deliver state-mandated cancer and cardiac benefits to eligible firefighters. The program aims to support municipalities, special districts, fire authorities, and county improvement districts in ensuring continued health benefits for their firefighting workforce, particularly those with fewer employer-provided options. Reimbursement is contingent on compliance with statutory requirements and subject to available state funds.
