Requires telecommunications, cable television, and Internet service providers to allow for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipients's admission to long-term care facility.*

Service bill relief for long-term care residents

Beginning January 1, 2026, New Jersey residents entering qualifying long-term care can pause phone, cable, or internet contracts without extra fees. The service equipment must be in New Jersey. Covered facilities include state-licensed nursing homes, assisted living residences, comprehensive personal care homes, residential health care facilities, and dementia care homes. The pause stops service charges for at least 90 days. If you remain admitted after 90 days, the provider must cancel the contract without an extra charge. Providers must supply a standard request form on request for you and a physician to use. If you cannot submit it, a representative can submit it with power of attorney, conservatorship, or guardianship documents proving authority. Providers may require written proof of admission; a written request notice and a physician’s letter confirming eligibility are sufficient. Existing duties remain: return equipment and pay lawful unreturned-equipment charges or amounts owed for equipment you purchased.