The HERO Act (Helping First Responders Overcoming Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a pilot program to help emergency responders by providing reimbursement for assessment and treatment of certain psychological conditions resulting from a duty related traumatic event. The reimbursements are administered by the Kansas Department of Insurance. Certain requirements must be met in order to be eligible for the program. Please review the information below before submitting a reimbursement claim.

• HERO Act Proviso 

Request for Reimbursement Forms

Responders meeting the eligibility requirements can submit a claim for reimbursement using the forms below. Applicants are required to submit the Initial Claim of Reimbursement Form along with the notarized HERO Act Affidavit for first-time requests for reimbursement. Once an initial claim has been approved and reimbursed, any additional requests for reimbursement for new services should be submitted via the Subsequent Claims of Reimbursement Form.

Please review the eligibility requirements before submitting a request. 

• Initial Claim of Reimbursement Form - HERO Act

• HERO Act Affidavit

• Subsequent Claims of Reimbursement Form - HERO Act

General Eligibility Requirements

1. This is a reimbursement program for "first responders" or "emergency responders" meaning a firefighter as defined in K.S.A. 40-1709, and amendments thereto, law enforcement officer as defined in K.S.A. 74-5602, and amendments thereto, or emergency medical service provider as defined in K.S.A. 65-6112, and amendments thereto, providing services through a first responder ambulance service, whether paid or serving as an authorized volunteer.
2. This program is not for direct billing by service providers. Reimbursement will not be provided for any cost of services covered by any insurance or worker's compensation coverage of the first responder or such responder's agency. This program is not a workers compensation plan and does not cover lost wages or disabilities.
3. Only services received on or after July 1, 2026 are eligible for reimbursement.

Conditions Eligible for Reimbursement

• Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or licensed psychologist.
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or licensed psychologist.
• Sub-clinical syndromes of either ASD or PTSD if one or more intrusion symptoms, as provided in criterion b of the DSM-5-TR, is diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or licensed psychologist.

Services Eligible for Reimbursement

• Diagnostic psychiatric or psychological evaluation by a
  licensed psychiatrist or licensed psychologist;
• evidence-based psychotherapy, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral
  therapies and treatments as provided in recommendation 8 in the
  Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs' clinical practice
  guideline in effect on the effective date of this act for management of
  PTSD and ASD with a "strong" ranking;
• psychiatric medication management directly associated with treating the occupationally
  acquired mental health condition;
• any therapy or counseling provided to directly address the diagnosed PTSD or ASD as may be
  provided by a masters level psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed clinical psychotherapist or licensed psychiatrist or licensed psychologist.