WTC Health Program: Its Members and Conditions at a Glance

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 established the WTC Health Program, and five years later, Congress reauthorized the program until 2090. Responders and survivors who register with the program get free health screenings and treatment for 9/11-related conditions. But, largely because of long latency periods for post-9/11 illnesses, many affected individuals do not realize the illnesses they are suffering from are actually the result of the trauma or toxic exposure brought on by the terrorist attacks. If you suspect you might have a 9/11-related condition, it can be helpful to look at summary information about other responders and survivors who are members of the WTC Health Program.

Here are a few facts on the membership of the WTC Health Program as of December 31, 2016, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Total membership stands at 77,006, consisting of 49,085 general responders, 16,905 FDNY responders, 10,615 survivors and 401 Pentagon/Shanksville, PA survivors.
• The largest age group is 45-54-year olds with 25,946 responders and 2,441 survivors, followed by 55-64-year-olds with 20,367 responders and 3,480 survivors.
• Members are predominantly male: 56,848 responders and 5,224 survivors. Female members number 7,918 responders and 5,294 survivors.

The major categories of certified conditions are aerodigestive disorders, mental health problems, cancer, and musculoskeletal illnesses. The top ten certified conditions are:

• Rhinosinusitis — 21,675
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) — 19,298
• Asthma — 12,988
• Sleep apnea — 8,220
• Post-traumatic stress disorder — 7,504
• Respiratory disorder — 7,326
• Cancer — 6,188
• Depression — 2,814
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) — 2,746
• Anxiety disorder — 2,511

If you were present in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001, or in the weeks and months afterward, and you have developed an acute or chronic illness that might be 9/11-related, you owe it to yourself to learn more about the WTC Health Program. If your illness prevents you from working, you may also be eligible for other Zadroga Act benefits. Contact the experienced attorneys at Barasch & McGarry who have represented 9/11 survivors from the outset. Call [ln::phone] or contact our office online.