Black Lung Benefits Act of 1973
The Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA) is a U.S. Government program. It provides monthly payments and medical benefits to coal miners totally disabled from pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) arising from employment in or around the nation's coal mines. This Act also provides monthly benefits to a miner's dependent survivors if pneumoconiosis caused or hastened the miner's death.
Contents
History
In 1952, Alabama became the first state to provide compensation for coal workers' pneumoconiosis.[1]
In 1969, the United Mine Workers convinced the United States Congress to enact the landmark Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act which provided compensation for miners suffering from Black Lung Disease. Arnold Miller (1923–1985) a miner and long time labor activist played a big role in the struggle for this legislation.
Adjudication and processing
Claims may be submitted to any of nine district offices of the Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation of the Department of Labor. The employment and medical history of the claimant are examined, including a complete pulmonary evaluation paid for by the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.[2] There may be a rebuttable presumption that pneumoconiosis resulted from such employment for miners long-term employed at one or more coal mines.[3] Right of rebuttal is offered to the relevant coal mine operator, and final determination is made by the director of the examining district office.[2]
Benefits and medical services
Present and former coal miners, other workers who have been exposed to coal dust, and their surviving dependents may apply for medical and monthly financial benefits under the Act. The program provides for diagnostic testing to verify the presence of black lung disease and degree of associated disability. Benefits may include a monthly stipend, as well as such medical services as prescription drug coverage, hospitalization coverage, durable medical equipment, and outpatient therapy. Payments are made by the operator of the mine most recently employing an affected worker or from the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.[2] Payments and benefits are not considered taxable income.[4]
Notes
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- The Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA)
- Black Lung - United Mine Workers of America
- Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation (DCMWC)
