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 or sending notices of intention to mortgage debtors undergoing cancer treatment until they receive confirmation from the debtor's physician that treatment has concluded.

Additionally, the bill protects individuals with cancer from debt collection proceedings and eviction actions. Creditors are barred from initiating collection actions against individuals undergoing treatment, and any such proceedings must be dismissed upon receipt of a physician's certification. For eviction cases related to nonpayment of rent, the Superior Court is required to grant a stay of eviction for up to 45 days if the tenant is undergoing cancer treatment, provided they submit a confidential certification from their physician. The legislation also includes provisions for reinstatement to equivalent employment after temporary disability or family leave, ensuring that employees can utilize their earned sick leave or disability benefits without facing discrimination or retaliation from their employers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:21-55.2