Barasch & McGarry’s Statement on World Trade Center Health Program Funding

Barasch & McGarry released the following statement from Managing Partner Michael Barasch on reports that Congress could partially fund the free World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program deficit:

“As each day the number of 9/11 responders and survivors with cancer or respiratory illness continues to increase, we need to fully fund the World Trade Center Health Program – permanently, for the entire lives of 9/11 victims,” said Barasch.

“Of course, while every dollar Congress earmarks for 9/11 is appreciated, the funds currently proposed are insufficient to meet the already enormous need.  More is needed to provide 9/11 community members and their families with the certainty that free, comprehensive health care will be available in the future, protecting both their health and their financial security.”

The health program has saved thousands of lives and rescued many 9/11 families from medical bankruptcy, but now confronts an estimated $2.7 billion deficit by 2032, mainly as a result of medical inflation.

According to recent news reports, the Senate has voted to provide $676 million for the health program, which only funds the program through 2029.

Barasch & McGarry has worked closely with a bipartisan group in Congress to protect the WTC Health Program, and will continue the fight to secure health care access for the 117,000 individuals currently enrolled, as well as future 9/11 victims and their families.

The health program offers enormous benefits, with members experiencing cancer mortality rates that are 34 percent lower than demographically-similar New York State residents with cancer, according to the FDNY WTC Health Program Clinical Center – with even better results for prostate cancer and colon cancer.

If you were there in Lower Manhattan on or after 9/11, or at the Pentagon, or at the crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, you have the right to register with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund – even if you are currently healthy – and register with the WTC Health Program, if eligible.

Barasch & McGarry, Lawyers for the 9/11 Community, represents more than 35,000 members of the 9/11 community.

Protect yourself and your family. Visit 911victims.com or call 212-385-8000 today.