The Americans With Disabilities Act offers protection against discrimination in the workplace to anyone who has, or has had, certain disabilities, including any diagnosis of cancer. Parents of dependent children with cancer and spouses of people with cancer are also protected under this law. The ADA requires private employers who employ 15 or more people, labor unions, employment agencies, and government agencies to treat employees equally, including the benefits offered them, without regard to their disabling condition or medical history. It also does not allow employers to screen out potential employees who have children with disabilities.
This act, along with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act makes it easier to change jobs and move from one group insurance plan to another. This law is administered by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). They can answer questions and give you more information on a special phone line (1-800-514-0301). You can also get more information in our document called Americans With Disabilities Act: Information for People Facing Cancer.
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