EEOICPA Doctor in Buffalo, NY
Are you or a loved one suffering from an illness due to work in the nuclear weapons industry? Are you struggling to navigate the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) to get the benefits you deserve? Are you looking for an EEOICPA doctor who is well-versed in the treatment and documentation of eligible illnesses and conditions? At Medical Care of WNY, we understand the challenges you face and are here to help.
Our team is dedicated to assisting you in receiving your entitled benefits by completing the required paperwork and providing you with comprehensive medical services. Our goal is to make the process of receiving treatment as smooth and hassle-free as possible! Choosing Medical Care of WNY for your treatment allows you to concentrate on your health and wellness.
What Is the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act?
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) provides benefits to employees (or their survivors) who worked in the atomic weapons industry and have developed illnesses due to exposure to radiation or other hazardous materials. This legislation was established to acknowledge the significant health risks faced by these employees, who were often exposed to hazardous substances like radiation, beryllium, and silica.
The program covers medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for diseases like cancer, chronic beryllium disease, and silicosis. It’s administered by the Department of Labor and includes two parts: Part B offers a lump sum payment and medical benefits for specific illnesses, while Part E provides compensation and medical benefits for additional occupational illnesses related to toxic substance exposure.
The EEOICPA provides financial compensation and covers medical expenses to support workers who developed occupational illnesses, ensuring they receive the necessary medical care. Additionally, the act provides benefits to the families of workers who died or became severely ill due to their work-related exposures, enabling them to receive the assistance they need.
The EEOICPA was also created to ensure fair treatment and justice for these workers and their families, acknowledging their contributions to national security and the sacrifices they made.
At a Glance:
- Target audience: Employees (or their survivors) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or an Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) who developed a work-related illness
- Coverage: Provides compensation for illnesses due to exposure to radiation and hazardous materials, including specific cancers, chronic beryllium disease, and silicosis
- Benefits: Includes lump sum payments, medical expenses, and lost wages
- Administration: Managed by the Department of Labor
EEOICPA Medical Benefits
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) offers various medical benefits to eligible workers who have become ill from exposure to hazardous substances on the job. Eligible medical benefits covered under EEOICPA include:
- Medical treatment: Doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, diagnostic tests (e.g. X-rays, MRIs, blood tests, etc.), physical therapy, occupational therapy
- Medications
- Medical equipment and supplies: Durable medical equipment (e.g. wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds), prosthetic devices, home healthcare supplies
- Home healthcare services: Home nursing care, personal care services, home health aides
- Travel expenses: Travel costs to and from medical appointments, plus lodging and meals if travel is necessary for treatment
- Rehabilitation services: vocational rehabilitation, counseling, and support services
- Specialty care: Specialist consultations, second opinions
- Palliative care: Hospice care, pain management services
These benefits are designed to ensure that covered employees receive comprehensive care and support for their work-related illnesses.
What Illnesses Qualify for Compensation Under EEOICPA?
EEOICPA covers a broad range of illnesses, including:
- Radiation-related cancers
- Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD)
- Silicosis
- Asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases
- Pulmonary Diseases
- Other occupational diseases, such as hearing loss and skin conditions
At Medical Care of WNY, we offer comprehensive medical and rehab services, working with you as partners in your health journey. Our goal is to simplify the treatment process for our patients. That’s why we provide multiple services in one location. No matter your condition, our friendly team is always here to offer support and guidance.
Who Is Eligible for EEOICPA Medical Benefits?
The main beneficiaries of the EEOICPA are past and present civilian workers who participated in nuclear weapons production and testing for the U.S. government and suffered work-related illnesses from toxic exposures at covered facilities. Eligibility for EEOICPA benefits depends on specific employment history and medical condition criteria.
The following workers may be eligible for benefits and compensation under this legislation:
- Department of Energy (DOE) employees: DOE workers diagnosed with an eligible illness and who worked during a covered time period
- Contractor employees: Employees of contractors or subcontractors who worked at DOE facilities and were exposed to radiation, beryllium, silica, or other hazardous substances
- Radiation-exposed workers: Employees who participated in atomic weapons testing or worked in uranium mines, mills, or ore transport operations
- Special Exposure Cohort (SEC): Employees who worked at certain facilities for a specified duration and have one of the 22 specified cancers are eligible for a lump sum compensation and medical benefits. These employees do not need to prove causation for their illness.
- Certain survivors: Family members (e.g., spouses, children) of deceased workers who would have been eligible for benefits
Meeting these criteria, along with documentation and proof of diagnosis, is essential for eligibility under the EEOICPA.
How To File a Claim
Filing a claim under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Follow these steps to ensure you complete your application accurately and efficiently.
To visualize the process for a Part B claim, click here.
To visualize the process for a Part E claim, click here.
Review this general guide to get started on securing the benefits you deserve:
- Gather documentation: Obtain records that verify employment at a covered DOE facility or involvement in covered activities. Also, collect medical records showing the diagnosis of a covered illness.
- Complete the claim form: For employees filing for themselves, complete form EE-1. For survivors filing on behalf of a deceased employee, complete form EE-2. Then, complete form EE-3.
- Submit your claim: You can submit your claim form by using the online Energy Document Portal, visiting one of the 11 resource centers across the country, or mailing your forms to:
U.S. Department of Labor OWCP/DEEOIC
P.O. Box 8306
London, KY 40742-8306 - DOL review: The Department of Labor will review your claim to verify your employment history and medical diagnosis. During this review, they may request additional information or documentation.
- Claim determination: The DOL will issue a decision on the claim. If they approve your claim, they will outline your eligible benefits. If they deny your claim, the DOL will provide a reason for the denial and information on how to appeal the decision.
- Receive your benefits: Once approved, you’ll receive a medical benefits card and your eligible compensation.
When the DOL accepts your claim and you receive your medical benefits card, you won’t have to worry about billing and reimbursement for your treatment or monitoring. As your EEOICPA doctor, we handle everything through the Workers’ Compensation Medical Bill Processing system, billing the DOL directly.
Why Choose Us as Your EEOICPA Doctor?
Choosing Medical Care of WNY as your EEOICPA doctor ensures you receive the highest quality care and support throughout your treatment and healing. Our experienced team specializes in work-related illnesses covered under the EEOICPA, offering comprehensive medical and rehabilitative services tailored to your needs.
Our practice is familiar with these types of programs and the medical documentation required to qualify you for your benefits. We handle all the paperwork and billing directly with the Department of Labor, relieving you of administrative burdens so you can focus on your recovery.
With our compassionate approach and commitment to your well-being, Medical Care of WNY provides a seamless and stress-free experience, making us the ideal choice for your EEOICPA medical needs.
Medical Care of WNY Is Your Trusted EEOICPA Doctor
When you visit Medical Care of WNY for your EEOICPA medical care, you are in you will receive personalized and expert treatment tailored to your specific needs. Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional care and comprehensive support throughout your treatment journey. We handle the complexities so you can focus on your health and recovery. Don’t wait—schedule a visit with us today and take the first step toward receiving the benefits and care you deserve.