Individuals preparing to enter long-term care facilities may no longer have to pay a termination fee for their cable, phone, or internet services thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer and approved today by the Senate Commerce Committee.
Individuals preparing to enter long-term care facilities may no longer have to pay a termination fee for their cable, phone, or internet services thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer and approved today by the Senate Commerce Committee. (Pixabay)
“Some cable, phone, and internet providers lock customers into a one- or two-year contract and breaking that contract can result in an early termination fee that can cost a customer up to $300,” said Singer (R-30). “My legislation will eliminate these fees for individuals who become ill or disabled and must immediately enter a long-term care facility. Companies should not be charging these people fees, who, under no fault of their own, must leave their home to get the medical and personal care they need.”
Singer’s bill, S-3413, requires telecommunications, cable television, and internet service providers to allow service recipients to terminate contracts, without an early termination fee, following a physician’s referral to a long-term care facility for a period of not less than 90 days.
Unless otherwise waived by the service provider, the bill requires a customer to provide the service provider with no less than 45 days’ notice prior to the contract termination or cancellation. However, if a physician’s order requires immediate relocation to a long-term care facility, this notice requirement would be waived, and the contract may be terminated within 48 hours.