DOL Increases Claim Assistance for Energy Workers
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced enhanced services to assist nuclear weapons industry workers with medical bill payments and related travel expense reimbursement.
The department's resource centers will now work one-on-one with claimants and health care providers to facilitate medical benefits delivery under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). To date, more than $190 million has been paid in medical benefits under this program.
"These new services will make it much easier for workers and their families to access the medical benefits and travel expense reimbursements they are entitled to," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.
Specifically, resource center staff now will serve as the primary point of contact for energy employees and their families who seek assistance with their medical benefits. Knowledgeable staff members will assist with EEOICPA medical benefits card usage, form completion and paperwork processing, as well as the travel expense compensation process. Resource center personnel also will have access to the computerized medical bill pay system to assist health care providers with the enrollment process.
Resource centers are based in 11 locations nationwide, and provide in-person and telephone-based assistance. To locate the nearest resource center, call 866-888-3322 toll-free.