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 associated with 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 from debt collection proceedings and eviction actions while they are undergoing cancer treatment. Creditors are barred from initiating collection actions against individuals who provide a physician's certification of their treatment, and any such proceedings must be dismissed upon submission of this documentation. 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 bill also includes provisions to ensure job security for employees taking temporary disability or family leave, reinforcing their right to reinstatement and maintaining their employment benefits during their leave.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:21-55.2