VFIS of Texas is excited to share that effective immediately, rates for the Department Paid Cancer/Critical Illness Policy are decreasing by 9%!
Your responders selflessly face many risks while they serve and protect your community—and they deserve the best insurance protection available. A serious illness could happen at any time, impacting them physically, emotionally and financially. Critical Illness Insurance can help by offering a lump sum payment for covered illnesses and give your paid and unpaid personnel financial benefits to help them through these tough times.
SFFMA and VFIS of Texas have secured a Group Cancer / Critical Illness Insurance Plan that provides 24 hour (on the job and off the job) coverage.
This Cancer / Critical Illness Insurance is available to employers (paid & volunteers) and individual members.
Your responders selflessly face many risks while they serve and protect your community—and they deserve the best insurance protection available. A serious illness could happen at any time, impacting them physically, emotionally and financially. Critical Illness Insurance can help by offering a lump sum payment for covered illnesses and give your paid and unpaid personnel financial benefits to help them through these tough times.
SFFMA and VFIS of Texas have secured a Group Cancer / Critical Illness Insurance Plan that provides 24 hour (on the job and off the job) coverage.
This Cancer / Critical Illness Insurance is available to employers (paid & volunteers) and individual members.
Grant Assistance is Available for This Coverage!
The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Insurance Program (HB 3667) is a grant program designed to reimburse eligible volunteer fire departments for the purpose of insurance from private insurance companies. Eligible coverage includes any combination of compensation insurance for firefighters (workers' compensation, accidental death and dismemberment, group term life, accident and sickness, and/or cancer-related insurance) purchased from Texas insurance companies. The program will reimburse 100% of the actual cost of eligible insurance coverage up to a maximum of $190 per fire department member.
The HB 3667 Grant can help volunteer departments offset the costs of Workers' Compensation Insurance. Learn more & apply by CLICKING HERE.
The HB 3667 Grant can help volunteer departments offset the costs of Workers' Compensation Insurance. Learn more & apply by CLICKING HERE.
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Texas House Bill 4144: Critical Illness Benefits for Retired First Responders
During the 2025 session of the 89th Texas Legislature, lawmakers passed Texas House Bill 4144, expanding critical illness support for retired firefighters and peace officers. Signed into law and effective September 1, 2025, the legislation introduces new requirements that will impact qualifying retirees beginning January 1, 2026.
Closing the Coverage Gap
First responders face increased risks of long-term health conditions due to the nature of their work. While protections exist for active-duty personnel, many retirees have historically lacked support for service-related illnesses that develop after their careers end. HB 4144 addresses this gap by ensuring access to benefits for serious conditions that may arise post-retirement, including certain cancers, heart attacks, and strokes.
Key Requirements for Agencies
The law establishes several important provisions for governmental entities:
Closing the Coverage Gap
First responders face increased risks of long-term health conditions due to the nature of their work. While protections exist for active-duty personnel, many retirees have historically lacked support for service-related illnesses that develop after their careers end. HB 4144 addresses this gap by ensuring access to benefits for serious conditions that may arise post-retirement, including certain cancers, heart attacks, and strokes.
Key Requirements for Agencies
The law establishes several important provisions for governmental entities:
- Supplemental Benefit Requirement: Agencies must offer a critical illness supplemental income benefit — or a comparable health plan — for eligible retirees diagnosed within three years of retirement.
- Defined Qualifying Conditions: Coverage includes specific cancers, acute myocardial infarction, and stroke.
- Benefit Cap: Payments are capped at the retiree’s final annual salary or $100,000, with adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index.
- Comparable Coverage Exception: Agencies already offering equivalent retiree health benefits may meet requirements without additional supplemental income plans.
Learn More
HB 4144 represents a significant step forward in supporting retired first responders. Preparing now can help ensure compliance and provide peace of mind for both your organization and your personnel.
For more information or to request a quote, contact [email protected]
For more information or to request a quote, contact [email protected]
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