Department
Department of Labor
Agency
Employment Standards Administration
Program
Black Lung Benefits Program
Description
The Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation in the U.S. Department of Labor administers the Black Lung Benefits Act. All beneficiaries are now served by DCMWC, including those who received benefits under Part B of the Act and were formerly served by the Social Security Administration, and those who filed for benefits with the Department of Labor under Part C. Benefits are paid to miners and former miners who are totally disabled by pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) and to their eligible survivors, with supplementary allowances for dependents. Former miners are also entitled to receive medical treatment for their employment- related respiratory condition. The Division also reviews and makes eligibility determinations on benefit claims; reimbursement of travel is one such benefit. Judicious and accurate claims decisions, timely benefit payments, a high level of program service, and compliance assistance are the program's most important goals.
The Program provides medical treatment for respiratory conditions related to treatment for black lung disease. Program beneficiaries are eligible for prescription drugs, in-patient and out-patient services, and doctors’ visits. In addition, home oxygen and other medical equipment, home nursing services, and pulmonary rehabilitation may be covered with a doctor’s prescription. In FY 2004 over $700 million in income replacement and survivors' benefits were provided from appropriated funds, the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, employers and their insurers. Over $50 million in black lung related diagnostic and treatment medical benefits were also provided, including reimbursements for the miners' travel expenses incurred while obtaining those services.
The statutory language pertaining to transportation provisions within this program is found within the following citation(s):
30 U.S.C.A. § 923
http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/blbenact.html
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