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, the bill prohibits residential mortgage lenders from initiating foreclosure actions against mortgage debtors undergoing cancer treatment and requires that any collection proceedings against individuals in similar circumstances be dismissed upon submission of a physician's certification.

Additionally, the bill establishes provisions for tenants undergoing cancer treatment, allowing them to request a stay of eviction for up to 45 days if they provide a confidential certification from their physician. It also reinforces the right to reinstatement to equivalent employment for employees taking temporary disability or family leave, ensuring that they are not discriminated against for utilizing these benefits. The legislation allows employees eligible for both earned sick leave and temporary disability benefits to choose which leave to use, while ensuring they do not receive more than one type of paid leave simultaneously. Overall, the act seeks to provide critical support and protections for cancer patients in various aspects of their lives, including healthcare, housing, and employment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:21-55.2