Jan 16th 2008, 15:47

Financial and Health Assistance for Coal Mine Workers

Up to $1,197 non-taxable monthly payments

Workers in the coal mining industry are exposed to excessive coal mine dust. When too much dust gets to the lungs and stays there, it can lead to a lung disease called pneumoconiosis, which makes breathing difficult and can even cause death. This illness is also known as the Black Lung Disease because it makes the lungs look black instead of pink.

According to studies, 1 out of 20 miners can develop the Black Lung Disease. To help affected miners and their dependents, the government passed a law called the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA). BLBA is managed by the Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation (DCMWC) Program and aims to provide financial help to the dependents of those who died because of this disease. It also offers monetary and health assistance to those who are completely disabled by pneumoconiosis.

Black Lung Disease survivors are given a white identification card that they can present to medical providers so that the charges can be directly billed to the Federal Black Lung Program. However, if the providers aren't enrolled to the program, the patients can still get a reimbursement for the charges.

For 2008, BLBA beneficiaries can get non-taxable payments of up to $1,197 every month, as well as other medical benefits such as:

• Doctor's office calls, hospital visits, and consultations;
• Inpatient and outpatient hospital charges;
• Diagnostic laboratory testing and chest x-rays;
• Federal Black Lung Program-approved prescription drugs (branded and generic);
• Ambulance services;
• Acute black lung-related care; and
• Travel to the doctor, hospital, clinic, or other medical facility.

The program can also help survivors with other expenses such as purchase or rental of medical equipment, rehabilitation programs, skilled nursing services, and even mileage. They only have to get a certification from their doctors or the DCMWC District Office.

To learn more about the Federal Black Lung Program, visit www.dol.gov or call 1-800-638-7072 (toll-free).

 

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