The County of Stettler is introducing a new health care spending account for its volunteer firefighters.
At its Oct. 8 meeting, council approved the creation of a volunteer firefighter health spending account (HSA), offering eligible members up to $2,000 per year in non-taxable funds.
About 40 to 50 volunteer firefighters across the County are expected to qualify.
Eligible expenses include prescription drugs, dental & vision care, physiotherapy, chiropractic & massage therapy, psychological services & medical equipment.
Funds in the HSA can be carried over for one year to cover health-related expenses not covered by provincial or private plans.
To be eligible, members must participate in at least 20 per cent of dispatched calls & 50 per cent of regular training nights at their assigned station.
Volunteer firefighters must also complete a three-month probationary period & be in good standing with the department, with no disciplinary actions pending.
The program will be administered by the County’s benefits provider, with a 7 per cent administration fee on all claims.
The program will follow CRA guidelines & be reviewed annually to assess financial sustainability.
Meantime, the County has set Oct. 14 as the move-in date for its new fire hall on the east side of Stettler, at Highway 12 & 38th Street.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
