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NJ A557

NJ A557
Provides access to periodic cancer screening examinations for volunteer firefighters through SHBP physicians and other providers.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires access to periodic cancer screening examinations for volunteer firefighters serving in fire district of this State, or a fire department, unit, or company of or in this State or a political subdivision of this State, without cost-sharing. Under the bill, physicians who participate in the State Health Benefits Program network will be required to offer these periodic examinations to volunteer firefighters and then a physician or other provider may request payment from the State for the provision of services not to exceed $1,250 in the aggregate per three-year period for each firefighter. According to the bill, fire district of this State, or a fire department, unit or company of or in this State or a political subdivision of this State, which relies on services from volunteer firefighters must maintain adequate records to facilitate the payment. Current law entitles paid firefighters enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program and paid firefighters eligible for enrollment in the State Health Benefits Program to periodic cancer screening examinations every three years without cost-sharing. By law, the State will reimburse public employers in an amount not to exceed $1,250 per three-year period for each firefighter. This bill extends the reimbursement provisions available to paid firefighters under current law to unpaid firefighters serving in any fire district with a volunteer fire department or wherein there exists one or more incorporated volunteer fire companies affording fire protection to the fire district, or any fire department, unit, or company of or in the State or a political subdivision of this State.

AI Summary

This bill expands access to free periodic cancer screenings for volunteer firefighters, mirroring benefits currently available to paid firefighters. Specifically, it mandates that physicians participating in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), which is a program providing health insurance to state employees and retirees, must offer these screenings to volunteer firefighters every three years without any out-of-pocket costs like co-payments or deductibles. The State will then reimburse these physicians or other providers up to $1,250 every three years per firefighter for these services, with fire departments and districts required to keep adequate records to facilitate this payment process. This provision aims to ensure that unpaid volunteer firefighters receive the same proactive cancer detection opportunities as their paid counterparts.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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