Health Programs for 9/11 Responders

On January 2, 2011, President Obama signed the James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2011. Title I of the Act created the World Trade Center Health Program, operated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The Program provides medical monitoring and treatment to eligible responders to the September 11th terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash site in Shanksville, PA, as well as survivors of the New York attacks. Title II reopened the Victims Compensation Fund to pay benefits to persons afflicted with illnesses related to the 9/11 attacks.

Determining eligibility for the WTC Health Program

The WTC Health Program serves responders to the three attack sites and survivors of the New York attack. Eligible parties include:

• Active or retired firefighters and police officers
• Emergency health workers
• Recovery workers
• Cleanup contractors
• Volunteers who assisted in rescue, recovery or clean-up efforts
• NYC survivors who lived, worked, went to school or attended daycare in the NYC disaster area
• Survivors who were present in the dust or dust cloud in the NYC disaster area on September 11, 2001

Under the Zadroga Act, anyone who shows they were present at the crash sites during the specified period, or who suffered physical harm due to the crashes or debris removal, has eligibility to make a claim for compensation. In October of 2012, the WTC Health Program began providing medical monitoring and treatment benefits to survivors living outside the NYC metropolitan area.

Treatment under the WTC Health Program

The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program provides medical monitoring, testing, treatment and prescription drugs for a range of certified conditions. Covered illnesses include:

• 68 different types of cancer
• Respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic cough
• Digestive disorders, such as acid reflux
• Mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Eligible responders, workers, volunteers and survivors can apply for the program and be seen at clinics and hospitals that have a high level of skill in treating 9/11 problems and diseases. The Program is free of charge for those enrolled, as long as approved healthcare providers and pharmacies are used. The Program also pays for inpatient care, as long as the hospitalization is for treatment of a WTC-related condition.

Contact us for WTC health program eligibility

Your condition must be certified by the Program before you may begin receiving treatment benefits. Your WTC Health Program-affiliated physician will make that determination and the Administrator of the Program makes the final decision. Each case is different, so it is impossible to say how long certification can take. Attorneys at the firm of Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson are available for advice, counseling and representation of 9/11 victims at 888.351.9421