The Cancer Patient Care and Compassion Act aims to enhance protections and support for individuals diagnosed with Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer in New Jersey. The bill mandates that health insurance carriers, including those involved in the State Health Benefits Program and Medicaid, provide comprehensive coverage for parenteral treatment, survivorship care plans, and any additional services deemed necessary by regulatory authorities, without imposing any cost-sharing requirements. Furthermore, it prohibits residential mortgage lenders from initiating foreclosure actions or sending notices of intention to debtors undergoing cancer treatment until they receive confirmation from the debtor's physician that treatment has concluded.

Additionally, the bill protects individuals from debt collection proceedings while they are undergoing cancer treatment, requiring creditors to dismiss any such actions upon receipt of a physician's certification. It also allows for a stay of eviction for tenants undergoing treatment for cancer, provided they submit a confidential certification from their physician. The legislation further extends employment protections by ensuring that employees on temporary disability or family leave are reinstated to equivalent positions and can choose between using earned sick leave or disability benefits without receiving more than one type of paid leave simultaneously. Overall, the act seeks to provide a comprehensive framework of support for cancer patients, addressing their healthcare, financial, and housing needs during a critical time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:21-55.2