208-26 FAQsforFirefighterCancerScreening.pdf

FIREFIGHTER CANCER SCREENING REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR GOVERNMENT ENTITIES NOT PARTICIPATING IN SHBP FAQs What is the Firefighter Cancer Screening Reimbursement program? N.J.S.A 52:14-17.29ii(a) requires access to periodic cancer screenings for full-time, paid firefighters not enrolled in the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP) and firefighters who are employed by an SHBP-covered entity, but have waived SHBP coverage, within three years after the start of the firefighter’s employment and every three years thereafter during the course of employment. The examination shall include, at a minimum and as applicable, the screening for eleven types of cancer pursuant to N.J.S.A 52:14-17.29ii(a). Eligible public employers may request reimbursement of a maximum of $1,250 per firefighter over a three year period towards the costs associated with providing the required cancer screenings. Are retired firefighters eligible for this program? No. N.J.S.A 52:14-17.29ii(a) only covers active, full-time paid firefighters. What department is administering the reimbursement program? The Division of Administration, through the Department of the Treasury, is administering the reimbursement program. Will Administration assist employers with setting up a program for their municipality/town/city/etc.? Administration is only reimbursing the employer for the cancer screenings and not mandating to employers how the program is run. Selecting a provider, setting up appointments, billing, etc. is up to each individual employer. Does Administration have a list of acceptable providers to use for screenings? Administration does not provide a list of providers employers can use for the screenings. The employer can contact their firefighter union for assistance in selecting a provider. If an employer is in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), but has firefighters with outside coverage who have waived SHBP benefits, can the municipality be reimbursed for those firefighters?