World Trade Center Health Program Updates
Last month, the nation gathered to commemorate September 11, 2001. Across the country, many Americans took time to honor the strength and courage of those we remember on 9/11 by participating in charitable service in a variety of different ways.
We at the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program remain committed to serving those affected by 9/11 and its aftermath. We currently serve almost 128,000 members, with over 81,000 members diagnosed with one or more certified WTC-related physical and mental health conditions. We continue to improve services and access to WTC-related care for survivors and responders.
There are several Program updates below that include more information about ways the Program continues to honor and care for 9/11 responders and survivors throughout the year.
Expanded Eligibility for Pentagon and Shanksville Responders
Following the publication of an Interim Final Rule on September 11,2024 the WTC Health Program has begun enrollments for an expanded population of Pentagon and Shanksville responders.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 included expanded enrollment eligibility criteria for Pentagon and Shanksville responders. Previously, the Zadroga Act that established the WTC Health Program limited Pentagon and Shanksville eligibility to law enforcement, recovery or cleanup contractors, and volunteers. The NDAA has expanded those eligible for the Program to now include “employees of the Department of Defense (DOD) or any other Federal agency, contractors of the DOD or any other Federal agency, or was a member of a regular or reserve component of the uniformed services.”
Visit here to learn more.
Health Effects of 9/11 Exhibition Opening at Flight 93 National Memorial This Fall
The WTC Health Program is pleased to announce the traveling version of our “Health Effects of 9/11” exhibition will open at the Flight 93 National Memorial Learning Center, located near Shanksville, PA, later this October. The exhibition offers Flight 93 National Memorial visitors an opportunity to learn about the lasting health effects of 9/11 through moving visuals and firsthand stories of healing and resilience.
A digital version of the original museum exhibition can be viewed here.
WTC Health Program Medical Benefits Updates
Breast cancer screening guidelines have been updated. Members eligible for breast cancer screenings can now get them covered by the Program every other year starting at age 40 through age 74. Previous guidelines recommended breast cancer screenings starting at age 50.
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Use the Online Feedback Form
Our online feedback form provides you with a convenient way to send formal feedback directly to the WTC Health Program. Visit here to fill out the form. Please do not use this form for immediate, personal support.
Primary Health Insurance Requirement
As a reminder, all WTC Health Program members must have primary health insurance, including pharmacy and medical coverage. Failure to have primary health insurance may impact the Program’s ability to pay for your monitoring and treatment. If your primary health insurance changes at any point, please let your Clinical Center of Excellence or the Nationwide Provider Network and pharmacy know.
Learn about your Pharmacy Options
The WTC Health Program offers different prescription options for survivors and responders. Express Scripts is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager for the Program. Survivors can fill their WTC-related medications at retail pharmacies in both the Express Scripts network and their primary insurance network, but they must ensure that the pharmacy they are using is in-network for both.
Responders can fill their prescriptions at Walgreens/Duane Reade Pharmacies and at retail pharmacies in the Express Scripts network. Specialty medication options vary between survivors and responders.
Visit our pharmacy benefits webpage for more information about pharmacy benefits.
Get Important Contact Information
If you have questions about the Program, your WTC-related care, or pharmacy benefits, visit our contact us webpage. Our webpage provides detailed information on how to reach out for your various concerns.
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Update
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), administered by the Department of Justice, provided the following updates that may be of interest to WTC Health Program members.
The VCF continues to work on myVCF, a new claims system focused on improving the claimant experience, reducing award issuance time, and accepting claims through 2090. Despite some delays in launching myVCF, VCF's schedule for deciding claims and awarding compensation has not been impacted. In 2023, VCF awarded $12.8 billion to over 56,600 claimants.
VCF Resources Available
For more information about the VCF or for any questions, visit their website or call the VCF Helpline at 1–855–885–1555. Please note: the WTC Health Program call center and Program providers are not able to provide information on VCF claims.
Help Spread the Word!
Children, teenagers, students, and those under 21 years old who were in Lower Manhattan or parts of Brooklyn on or soon after 9/11 may have lifelong health issues from exposure to dust and traumatic events. Eligible individuals can receive no-cost healthcare benefits through the WTC Health Program. Learn more here.