Governor Murphy signed legislation that mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for firefighters who are not enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), but who are eligible for enrollment in the SHBP by public employment.
Previously a paid, full-time firefighter enrolled in the SHBP or a firefighter employed by a public employer that does not participate in the SHBP, was entitled to a cancer screening examination every three years.
P.L. 2024, c. 15 now extends this benefit to firefighters who waive their employer-sponsored health care but are still eligible for coverage under the SHBP through their employment with a public employer. The State will now reimburse up to $1,250 to the public entity per three-year period for each firefighter’s examination, regardless of their participation in their employer’s health care plan.
This new law took effect on June 3, 2024. We suggest you review this information with your finance officer and manager.
Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.