March 27, 2023

For Immediate Release 27 March 2023 11:15:05

Colorado Firefighter Benefits Trust Adds Support For Behavioral Health

SB 22-002 provides coverage for behavioral health needs for Colorado firefighters

Denver, Colorado—2022—Today, the Colorado Firefighter Benefits Trust (officially, Colorado Firefighter Heart, Cancer, and Behavioral Health Benefits Trust) adds vital coverage to address firefighters’ behavioral health needs. The Trust has automatically extended coverage for all Colorado firefighters to receive reimbursement for behavioral and mental health treatment that is not already covered by any other employer-offered program or pre-existing insurance plan. Coverage extends to include marriage and family counseling for spouses and children, as long as a firefighter is also participating.

Lieutenant Mike Frainier, Vice President of the International Association of Fire Fighters’ 9th District in Colorado agrees, “The extension of behavioral health support to the Trust is groundbreaking and cannot come at a better time for Colorado firefighters struggling to find a way to afford treatment options. This program offers a private, confidential way to be reimbursed for treatment, and it is available whether you are a member of the Trust or not.” There is no cost to participate while the limited funding lasts. Fire service operations are enrolled automatically, per SB 22-002, to start using these benefits today.

The Colorado Firefighter Benefits Trust is reimbursing deductibles, co-pays, and out of pocket behavioral health expenses not covered by existing fire operations’ benefit programs. They will also reimburse for additional treatments and therapies, even after a firefighter’s current insurance or employee assistance plan benefits run out. The Trust is now accepting claims for reimbursement of services performed on or after February 10, 2023.

Full program details, including marketing materials geared toward fire departments, are available at cfhtrust.org/behavioral. An overview of the program is available on our introductory webinar.

About the Colorado Firefighter Benefits Trust

The Colorado Firefighter Benefits Trust was created to aid the state’s fire professionals and agencies contain the human and financial burdens created by serious health issues by providing mandated cardiac, voluntary cancer, and behavioral health benefits to Colorado firefighters. The Trust program was designed with input from the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters, Colorado State Fire Chiefs, the state Division of Insurance, and municipal, county, and special district fire agencies.

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Colorado Firefighter Benefits Trust Adds Support For Behavioral Health

The names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information, press only:

• Alex Terlecky
• aterlecky@mcgriff.com
• Cfhtrust.com