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News Release
ESA News Release: [02/12/2008]
Contact Name: Dolline Hatchett or Loren Smith
Phone Number: 202-693-4650 or x4676
Release
Number: 08-0137-NAT
Resource centers offer new services to energy workers
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor has announced enhanced services to assist nuclear weapons industry workers with medical bill payments and related travel expense reimbursement. The department's resource centers will now work one-on-one with claimants and health care providers to facilitate medical benefits delivery under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). To date, more than $190 million has been paid in medical benefits under this program.
"These new services will make it much easier for workers and their families to access the medical benefits and travel expense reimbursements they are entitled to," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.
Specifically, resource center staff now will serve as the primary point of contact for energy employees and their families who seek assistance with their medical benefits. Knowledgeable staff members will assist with EEOICPA medical benefits card usage, form completion and paperwork processing, as well as the travel expense compensation process. Resource center personnel also will have access to the computerized medical bill pay system to assist health care providers with the enrollment process.
Earlier this month, a letter alerted all EEOICPA claimants eligible for medical benefits under the act's Part E to the new resource center role.
Resource centers are based in 11 locations nationwide, and provide in-person and telephone-based assistance. To locate the nearest resource center, call 866-888-3322 toll-free.
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