The Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA) is a U.S. government program. It provides monthly payments and medical benefits to coal miners totally disabled from pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis is an occupational lung disease and a restrictive lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust, often in mines.-Types:Depending upon the type of dust, the disease is given different names:...

 (black lung disease) arising from employment in or around the nation's coal mines. This Act also provides monthly benefits to a miner's dependent survivors if pneumoconiosis caused or hastened the miner's death.

History

In 1952, Alabama became the first state to provide compensation for coal workers' pneumoconiosis.

In 1969, the United Mine Workers

United Mine Workers

The United Mine Workers of America is a North American labor union best known for representing coal miners and coal technicians. Today, the Union also represents health care workers, truck drivers, manufacturing workers and public employees in the United States and Canada...

 convinced the United States Congress

United States Congress

The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....

 to enact the landmark Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act which provided compensation for miners suffering from Black Lung Disease. Arnold Miller

Arnold Miller

Arnold Miller was a miner and labor activist who served as president of the United Mine Workers of America , AFL-CIO, from 1972 to 1979.-Early life and mining career:...

 (1923–1985) a miner and long time labor activist played a big role in the struggle for this legislation.

Adjudication and processing

Claims may be submitted to any of nine district offices of the Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation of the Department of Labor. The employment and medical history of the claimant are examined, including a complete pulmonary evaluation paid for by the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. There may be a rebuttable presumption that pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis is an occupational lung disease and a restrictive lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust, often in mines.-Types:Depending upon the type of dust, the disease is given different names:...

 resulted from such employment for miners long-term employed at one or more coal mines. Right of rebuttal is offered to the relevant coal mine operator, and final determination is made by the director of the examining district office.

Benefits and medical services

Present and former coal miners, other workers who have been exposed to coal dust, and their surviving dependents may apply for medical and monthly financial benefits under the Act. The program provides for diagnostic testing to verify the presence of black lung disease and degree of associated disability. Benefits may include a monthly stipend, as well as such medical services as prescription drug coverage, hospitalization coverage, durable medical equipment, and outpatient therapy. Payments are made by the operator of the mine most recently employing an affected worker or from the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. Payments and benefits are not considered taxable income.

External links

• The Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA)
• Black Lung - United Mine Workers of America
• Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation (DCMWC)