While the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund was formed to ensure 9/11 responders and survivors are compensated for their 9/11-related illnesses, the WTC Health Program was established to provide them with the treatment they need. The Program also certifies health conditions for the purposes of obtaining VCF compensation. However, those who live outside of New York might be wondering whether they have access to these services. Importantly, the Nationwide Provider Network plays a crucial role in helping eligible responders and survivors obtain the 9/11-related healthcare to which they are entitled.
What is the WTC Health Program?
The WTC Health Program is a federal program administered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It was specifically established by the Zadroga Act to provide responders and survivors with health monitoring and treatment for health conditions linked to the toxic dust in what the Program defines as the NYC Disaster Area. Although it is separate from the VCF and has its own eligibility criteria, the two entities work closely together to ensure responders and survivors receive the monetary award they deserve for their 9/11-related illnesses or diseases.
The WTC Health Program offers monitoring and treatment for all certified conditions, and medically associated conditions. These include the following:
- All forms of cancer
- Acute and traumatic injuries
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Airway and digestive disorders
- Mental health conditions
While the WTC Health Program provides services for mental health conditions, it’s essential to understand that the VCF only awards compensation for physical conditions.
Are There WTC Health Program Clinics Outside of New York?
Responders and survivors who reside in the New York metropolitan area have access to multiple Clinical Centers of Excellence (CCE). However, it’s critical to be aware that those outside New York can visit a doctor within the Nationwide Provider Network (NPN). This service is available to responders who aided in the rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville. Survivors who were exposed to the toxins in the dust cloud that covered lower Manhattan after the terrorist attacks are also eligible.
Currently, the NPN is administered through Logistics Health Incorporated — this vendor will be replaced by Managed Care Advisors (MCA) – Sedgwick later this year. Significantly, once a responder or survivor has been approved for the WTC Health Program, access to free health monitoring and treatment for 9/11 health conditions is available at thousands of locations throughout the United States.
Nationwide Pharmacy Benefits for 9/11 Health Conditions
In addition to ensuring access to nationwide health monitoring and treatment, the WTC Health Program works with Express Scripts to provide pharmacy benefits and prescriptions to eligible responders and survivors. The national pharmacy network offers access to thousands of retail pharmacy network locations for the convenience of responders and survivors who live outside the New York metro area. There is also a mail-order program in place which allows those with certified 9/11 health conditions to have medications delivered directly to their homes.
Contact an Experienced 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney
If you’re a responder or survivor with an eligible 9/11-related health condition, you may be eligible to enroll with the WTC Health Program — and obtain monetary compensation from the VCF. It’s essential to have an experienced 9/11 VCF attorney on your side to ensure you secure the benefits and maximum compensation to which you’re entitled.
The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund attorneys at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. have represented claimants and their families in 9/11 VCF claims for more than a decade. For a free consultation, contact us today.