WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM ADDS TO THE LIST OF COVERED CONDITIONS

Following the attacks on 9/11/2001 many people who were not involved in the rescue, recovery and clean-up at the WTC site, the Pentagon or the plane crash site at Shanksville, PA were exposed to toxic dust for several months after the attacks. Initially, people exposed to this dust developed respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, sinusitis, GERD and sleep apnea. The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) was created to pay for healthcare costs associated with conditions developed as a result of exposure to this dust. In order to have these costs paid, a person must establish that they were in one of the areas in the vicinity of the attacks during a specific time period following 9/11/01 and must have a “covered” condition.

Over the years, the list of “covered” conditions has expanded to include other conditions, including several kinds of cancer. Most recently, the WTCHP added uterine cancer to its list of conditions caused by the toxic environment created by the 9/11/01 attacks. This means that if you were diagnosed, even many years ago, you may still be able to make a claim for both healthcare and cash benefits. A full list of “covered” conditions can be located at https://www.cdc.gov/wtc/conditions.html

There is a deadline for registering to file a claim. In most cases a person has two years from the date he/she receives a certification from the WTCHP that they have a 9/11 related illness. We encourage anyone who believes they may have gotten sick at Ground Zero to register and review the list of covered conditions.