This bill mandates that professional firefighters who are not enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) but are eligible for it due to their public employment must have access to periodic cancer screening examinations. Specifically, it requires that these firefighters receive a cancer screening examination every three years, starting three years after their employment begins. The examination must cover a range of cancers, including colon, lung, bladder, and others. The bill also stipulates that public employers not participating in the SHBP must provide health care benefits that include these cancer screenings and can receive reimbursement from the State for the costs incurred, capped at $1,250 per firefighter every three years.

Additionally, the bill extends these provisions to firefighters who are eligible for SHBP but choose to waive their employer-sponsored health care coverage. These firefighters will also be entitled to the same cancer screening examinations and reimbursement from the State, ensuring that they receive necessary health care regardless of their coverage choices. The bill emphasizes that no co-payments or out-of-pocket expenses will be required for these examinations, and it mandates that public employers maintain adequate records to facilitate reimbursement. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:14-17.29