Everyone who is approved for compensation or benefits under The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) receives a special Medical Benefits Identification card. It is known as the White Card. This card is issued by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Worker’s Compensation Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation.
How Does a Worker or Former Worker Receive Benefits?
You can qualify for compensation and benefits under Parts B and E of the EEOICPA if you file a claim with the Department of Labor (DOL). The claim form can be accessed at the DOL website.
A worker or previous worker must provide their work history. A special form is available for this. You can access it here.
Workers also must submit documentation of their work and information from their doctor having to do with their medical condition.
As much as half of the initial claims are rejected. When this happens, many workers become discouraged and no longer pursue a claim. Instead, they have the option of appealing the denial.
Denials typically occur because the claimant did not provide sufficient information to substantiate their claim. Your claim gains more legitimacy if you include relevant details such as where you specifically worked and the time you worked there, as well as noting substances you were exposed to. Also, provide statements from your doctor or doctors regarding why they believe your medical condition was caused by your exposure to radiation or other toxic substances.
You might consider having an advocate, such as a former worker or, better yet, an attorney who is well acquainted with the claims process. Your advocate can assist you in completing and submitting your initial claim. She can also help you prepare the necessary work to appeal a denial.
What Types of Services Are Covered When a Claim is Approved?
Here are some of the health services that are covered with your Medical Benefits Identification card:
- Hospitalizations
- Surgical procedures
- Rehabilitation that includes occupational, respiratory and physical therapy
- Specialist care
- Physician visits
- Over-the-counter and prescription drugs
- Durable medical equipment
- In-Home nursing care
What’s more, travel for getting to a doctor’s office, hospital, clinic, or some other medical facility or pharmacy may also be covered with your Medical Benefits Identification card.
Hanford Nuclear Site Poses Serious Health Risks
Beginning in the 1940s, people from throughout the country came to Hanford, ultimately forming a 51,000-person workforce. As it turned out, very few workers were aware of what they were building or what the facilities would do after they were completed. Employees at Hanford assumed they were performing vital work for the U.S. Defense Department, however, they did not know the details.
Starting in the mid-1960s through 1971, the older reactors were closed, leaving just the N Reactor operating on the Site. N Reactor continued to produce plutonium and electricity until 1987. Since then, Hanford’s mission has been to clean up the Site after decades of weapons production activities.
Learn What Medical Benefits You Are Eligible For at Atomic Home Health
Did you or do you currently work at the Hanford Nuclear Site and now have a medical illness that you believe could be due to your employment? Are you wanting to file a claim for the “white card” medical benefits? Atomic Home Health will assist claimants through the paperwork process FREE of charge!
At Atomic Home Health, we offer services to current and former nuclear energy workers which include Hanford site workers, uranium workers, PNNL workers, and qualifying DOE contractors and subcontractors, who may have developed specific work-related illnesses as a result of exposure to radiation or toxic chemicals.
If you have already been awarded financial compensation and medical benefits through the EEOICPA, Atomic Home Health will work to maximize YOUR benefits.
