The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICPA) was enacted by the U.S. Congress to compensate workers who become sick as a result of their involvement with the production of nuclear weapons. EEOICPA is an entitlement program that provides both lump-sum payments and medical benefits to sick energy workers or their survivors. So far, this program has paid out approximately $10 billion in claims.
The EEOICPA is frequently referred to by claimants as a Medical Benefits ID Card, which is issued by the Division of Employee Occupational Illness Compensation’s Division (DEEOIC) bill pay agent. Claimants who are accepted under the EEOICPA for an occupational illness or covered illness are issued a Medical Benefits ID Card.
You need to present your Medical Benefits ID Card at the time of treatment for your accepted condition (s). You can assist your medical provider to determine the appropriate way to bill for their services by presenting your EEOICPA White Card.
Who Is Eligible?
In general, anyone who worked at a recognized Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear facility (employees, contractors, and sub-contractors) and became sick as a result of their exposure to radiation or hazardous chemicals could be eligible for compensation. Additionally, surviving family members can also qualify for lump-sum compensation.
What’s more, there are numerous benefits you might be able to claim that include compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) or benefits under parts B and/or E of the EEOICPA.
What is a “White Card” and How do I Get It?
People who apply for the EEOICPA and are granted medical benefits will be issued a white card with their accepted illnesses listed on the front. This card applies just like a standard insurance card. Whenever you receive medical care related to an accepted illness, you display your “White Card” to get the costs covered under EEOICPA. This card can cover a wide range of medical services that include home nursing care.
Medical Benefits That Come with a EEOICPA Medical Benefits ID Card
Medical benefits for your qualifying illness include reasonable and customary medical care, prescription drugs, and travel directly related to the treatment of an accepted condition. A major advantage with the “White Card” is that you do not have to pay a deductible or a co-payment. Payment to your medical provider by the DEEOIC is considered payment in full. An established list of maximum dollar allowances for services is utilized in the payment of medical bills.
The following is a list of some of the services that may be covered for treatment of your accepted medical condition (s) under Part B and E of EEOICPA:
- Doctor’s Office visits
- Medical treatments
- Consultations
- In-Patient and out-patient hospital charges
- Emergency room visits
- Diagnostic laboratory and radiological testing
- Durable Medical Equipment
- Drugs prescribed by a physician, both branded and generic
- Ambulance services
- In-Home Health Care
- Hospice Care
- Spa Membership
- Chiropractic and Massage Services
- Housing and Vehicle Modifications
- Medical Alert systems
- Medical Travel
- Travel to the doctor, hospital, clinic, pharmacy, and other medical facilities
Costs NOT Covered Under the EEOICPA
The following are some of the most common costs that are NOT covered under EEOICPA.
- Treatment of medical conditions not related to your accepted condition(s)
- Medical treatment for anyone other than yourself
- Medicines that are not prescribed by a doctor
- Prescriptions for non-accepted medical conditions under the EEOICPA
- Personal services in the hospital such as telephone or television
Do All Doctors or Medical Practitioners Accept “White Cards” (EEOICPA)?
The answer is no, as only certain doctors and providers are registered to accept EEOICPA health benefits. There is a clearinghouse of eligible medical practitioners and physicians who are near you at the Department of Labor’s billing website. You can also request your primary care physician enroll with the Office for Worker’s Compensation.
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 hazardous chemicals.
