World Trade Center Health Program Has $3 Billion Deficit

With many 9/11 first responders and survivors developing chronic health conditions as a result of their exposure to Ground Zero toxins, the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program will have an estimated $3 billion deficit by 2032.

The program has 117,000 members who receive medical treatment for cancer, respiratory and aerodigestive illnesses, acute traumatic injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health conditions.

Last year, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, and Congressman Andrew Garbarino introduced the “9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act,” which would fully fund the WTC Health Program.

If enacted, the bill would revise the program’s formula to provide adequate funds for comprehensive health care for all 9/11-related illnesses until 2090.

In addition, the bill would create a research program to study the impact of the toxic exposures and psychological trauma on the 35,000 people who were children on 9/11 and were living or attending school or daycare in Lower Manhattan.

The health program provides medical treatment and monitoring for responders and survivors from the World Trade Center and Lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville, PA, crash site.

Barasch & McGarry has advocated for the federal government to fully fund both the health program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

If you were in Lower Manhattan below Canal Street on 9/11 or during the eight following months, you are eligible to register with the 9/11 VCF – even if you are currently healthy.

If you were below Houston Street or in parts of western Brooklyn and are diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness, you are eligible to enroll in the WTC Health Program.

By registering and enrolling, you protect your right to access free health care and compensation in the future.

Barasch & McGarry, Lawyers for the 9/11 Community, represents more than 30,000 members of the 9/11 community.

Visit www.911victims.com or call 212-385-8000 today.