NJ Firefighters’ Cancer Screening Program
New Jersey has taken a pioneering stance in safeguarding the health of its firefighters, recognizing the elevated cancer risks inherent in their profession. The Garden State has implemented comprehensive cancer screening programs that set a new standard for firefighter health protection.
New Jersey Firefighters’ Comprehensive Cancer Screening Program: A Guide for Fire Department Leadership
The state of New Jersey has taken significant steps to protect its firefighters from the increased risk of cancer associated with their profession. This comprehensive guide will delve into the legislative background, key aspects of the screening programs, and the practical steps for implementation, equipping fire service leaders with the knowledge to effectively protect their personnel against the silent threat of occupational cancer.
Legislative Background & Screening Programs
New Jersey has enacted two key pieces of legislation to ensure comprehensive cancer screening coverage for all full-time paid firefighters, regardless of their enrollment status in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP).
P.L. 2021, c.478 (A6093 1R)
This law, which took effect on January 1, 2023, mandates access to cancer screenings for firefighters enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program. Key provisions include:
- Full-time paid firefighters employed by the state or a political subdivision are eligible.
- Screenings must be conducted within three years of employment start and every three years thereafter.
- The law covers a minimum of 11 types of cancer screenings, including colon, lung, oral, thyroid, skin, blood, breast, cervical, testicular, and prostate.
N.J.S.A 52:14-17.29ii(a)
This statute extends cancer screening access to full-time paid firefighters NOT enrolled in SHBP or who have waived SHBP coverage.
- Maintains same screening frequency and cancer types as P.L. 2021, c.478
- State reimburses eligible public employers up to $1,250 per firefighter over a 3-year period
- Employers submit reimbursement claims through SimpliGov online portal
- Requires authorized representative to manage claim submissions
New Jersey’s firefighter cancer screening programs offer a range of cutting-edge diagnostic tests tailored to the specific needs of firefighters, whether they are enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) or not.
For Firefighters Enrolled in SHBP
Full-Spectrum Detection Screenings:
- Thyroid, Bladder & Testicular: Targeted ultrasound screenings
- Skin & Oral Health: Detailed physical evaluations
- Lung Vigilance: Low-dose chest CT scans
- Heart Guard: Advanced Calcium Scoring
- Comprehensive Blood Panel: In-depth analysis of overall health
For Firefighters Not Enrolled in SHBP
Full-Spectrum Detection Screenings:
- Thyroid, Bladder & Testicular: Targeted ultrasound screenings
- Skin & Oral Health: Detailed physical evaluations
- Lung Vigilance: Low-dose chest CT scans
- Heart Guard: Advanced Calcium Scoring
- Galleri® (MCED) Test: Multi-cancer early detection blood test
Ready to learn more? Schedule your program overview today!
Claim Submission Process for Non-SHBP Firefighters
For firefighters NOT enrolled in SHBP, public employers can seek reimbursement for cancer screening costs. The State of New Jersey, through the Department of the Treasury’s Division of Administration, will reimburse eligible public employers up to $1,250 per firefighter over a three-year period.
Steps for Claim Submission:
- Registration: An authorized representative from the public employer must register through the SimpliGov online portal.
- Authorization Letter: The representative must upload a letter on public employer letterhead attesting to their authority to submit claims.
- Account Setup: Upon approval, the representative will receive instructions to set up the SimpliGov dashboard on their myNJ account.
- Claim Submission: The SimpliGov dashboard allows for claim submission and status checking.
- Documentation: Claims must include satisfactory proof of a legitimate invoice from a health care provider for an eligible firefighter’s screening.
A PowerPoint presentation is also available to guide public employers through the registration and claim submittal process.
Service Locations and Providers
The New Jersey Firefighters’ Comprehensive Cancer Screening Program is made possible through a collaborative effort involving key organizations:
- Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ)
- Cardio Pulmonary Specialists
- United Diagnostic Services (UDS)
State-of-the-art cancer screening services are offered at three strategically located facilities across New Jersey:
- Paramus: Serving the northern region of the state
- Voorhees: Providing access to firefighters in southern New Jersey
- Secaucus: Offering convenient screening options for central New Jersey
These locations ensure that firefighters across the state have access to high-quality cancer screening services.
To further enhance accessibility and flexibility, mobile screening teams are also operated to bring these vital services directly to fire departments throughout New Jersey.
This integrated approach ensures that every firefighter has access to these potentially life-saving screenings, further solidifying New Jersey’s position as a leader in firefighter health and safety initiatives.
Mobile Screening Teams
In addition to the fixed locations, the program provides mobile medical teams that deliver cancer screening services directly to fire departments or local unions. This innovative approach greatly improves accessibility and convenience for firefighters. Here’s what makes the mobile screening process efficient:
- Minimal Space Requirements: The mobile screenings require only 500 square feet to operate, such as a small conference room in your department, making it easy to accommodate without disrupting daily activities.
- Complete Onsite Program Delivery: The mobile team manages the entire process, providing all necessary equipment and staff, so fire departments don’t need to handle logistics. This turnkey service ensures a seamless experience.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Each firefighter receives a detailed report, reviewed by a Radiologist and Cardiologist, ensuring top-tier accuracy and analysis.
- Telemedicine Consultations for Positive Findings: If any abnormal results are found, a Nurse Practitioner will consult with firefighters via telemedicine, discussing next steps and alleviating concerns.
- Streamlined Scheduling: A digital scheduling system simplifies booking, preventing delays and helping departments manage appointments efficiently.
- HIPAA-Compliant Results Portal: Firefighters securely access their results via a HIPAA-compliant portal, keeping their personal health information private and accessible.
This network of fixed facilities and mobile operations underscores New Jersey’s commitment to providing comprehensive cancer screenings to firefighters statewide, regardless of location.
Importance of Cancer Prevention
Firefighter occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study found that firefighters have a 9% greater chance of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% greater chance of dying from cancer compared to the general U.S. population. As fire department leaders, it is crucial to ensure that all eligible firefighters take advantage of these comprehensive cancer screening programs. By prioritizing early detection and prevention, we can work together to reduce the impact of occupational cancer in the fire service.
Ready to learn more? Schedule your program overview today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Jersey Firefighters' Comprehensive Cancer Screening Program?
The New Jersey Firefighters’ Comprehensive Cancer Screening Program is a state-run initiative aimed at reducing cancer risks among full-time firefighters by offering free or reimbursed cancer screenings. It targets early detection of multiple cancer types to protect firefighters who face increased cancer risks due to their exposure to carcinogens on the job.
Why was the New Jersey Firefighters' Comprehensive Cancer Screening Program implemented?
This program was implemented to address the significantly higher risk of cancer faced by firefighters. Studies have shown that firefighters are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from cancer compared to the general population. Early detection through regular screenings helps reduce cancer-related deaths.
What types of cancer screenings are offered through the New Jersey Firefighters' Cancer Screening Program?
The program covers a minimum of 11 types of cancer screenings, including colon, lung, oral, thyroid, skin, blood, breast, cervical, testicular, and prostate cancers. These screenings aim to detect cancer early, when it is more treatable.
What is P.L. 2021, c.478 (A6093 1R), and how does it relate to firefighter cancer screenings?
P.L. 2021, c.478 (A6093 1R) is a law that went into effect on January 1, 2023, mandating cancer screenings for full-time paid firefighters enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP). Screenings must be conducted within three years of employment and every three years thereafter.
Who is eligible for cancer screenings under P.L. 2021, c.478 (A6093 1R)?
Full-time paid firefighters employed by the state of New Jersey or any political subdivision who are enrolled in SHBP are eligible for cancer screenings. Screenings must occur within three years of starting employment and continue every three years.
What is N.J.S.A 52:14-17.29ii(a), and how does it extend cancer screening access?
N.J.S.A 52:14-17.29ii(a) is a statute that extends cancer screening benefits to full-time paid firefighters who are not enrolled in SHBP or who have waived SHBP coverage. These firefighters receive the same screening frequency and coverage as those in SHBP.
Are firefighters who are not enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) eligible for cancer screenings?
Yes, full-time paid firefighters who are not enrolled in SHBP or have waived SHBP coverage are still eligible for cancer screenings under N.J.S.A 52:14-17.29ii(a). The screenings follow the same frequency and cover the same cancer types as for firefighters in SHBP.
What screenings are provided to firefighters enrolled in SHBP?
Firefighters in SHBP receive a series of cancer detection screenings, including:
- Thyroid, bladder, and testicular ultrasounds
- Skin and oral health physical exams
- Low-dose chest CT scans for lung cancer
- Advanced heart calcium scoring
- Comprehensive blood panels
What screenings are offered to firefighters not enrolled in SHBP?
Firefighters not enrolled in SHBP receive the same screenings as those in SHBP, such as thyroid, bladder, and testicular ultrasounds, skin and oral health exams, low-dose chest CT scans, and heart calcium scoring. Additionally, they can receive the Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test, which detects multiple cancers through a blood test.
What is the Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Test, and who can receive it?
The Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test is a cutting-edge blood test that can detect signs of multiple cancers from a single blood sample. It is available to firefighters not enrolled in SHBP under the cancer screening program.
Where can firefighters go to receive their cancer screenings?
Firefighters can receive cancer screenings at three facilities in New Jersey:
- Paramus (northern region)
- Voorhees (southern region)
- Secaucus (central region)
These locations provide easy access to screening services for firefighters across the state.
What are the UDS mobile screening teams, and how do they improve access to cancer screenings for firefighters?
UDS Mobile screening teams are part of the program’s effort to bring cancer screening services directly to fire departments across New Jersey. These solutions reduce travel time and make screenings more convenient, especially for firefighters in remote areas.
How can public employers get reimbursed for cancer screening costs for firefighters not enrolled in SHBP?
Public employers can be reimbursed for cancer screening costs for non-SHBP firefighters through the New Jersey Department of the Treasury’s Division of Administration. They can receive up to $1,250 per firefighter over three years by submitting claims via the SimpliGov portal.
What are the steps for public employers to submit reimbursement claims for non-SHBP firefighter screenings?
The reimbursement process includes several steps:
- Registration: A representative must register through the SimpliGov portal.
- Authorization Letter: Upload a letter on public employer letterhead, confirming the authority to submit claims.
- Account Setup: Once approved, the representative sets up a SimpliGov dashboard.
- Claim Submission: Submit claims through the dashboard along with proof of the screening invoice.
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