About the Program
The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program offers high-quality, compassionate care to those directly affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The following pages provide general information and background about our Program.
Who We Serve
Members of the WTC Health Program share a common experience—they were present during the days and months following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. From that common experience members have their own unique story. Some worked long hours during the rescue, recovery, and clean- up efforts. Others returned to their homes, businesses, and schools in lower Manhattan. Today many of them confront 9/11-related health issues such as asthma, GERD, post-traumatic stress, even cancer.
The WTC Health Program is dedicated to helping those who were there in the days and months following September 11th. We determine eligibility for the Program based on what members did following 9/11, where they were, and how long they there. There are four categories of members.
- FDNY Responder - a member of the Fire Department of New York City (whether fire or emergency personnel, active, or retired) who participated at least one day in the rescue and recovery effort at any of the former World Trade Center sites.
- General Responder - a worker or volunteer who provided rescue, recovery, demolition, debris removal, and related support services in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center, but was not affiliated with the Fire Department of New York. Examples in this category include NYPD and National Guard.
- NYC Survivor - a person who was present in the New York City disaster area or in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center as a result of their work; residence; or attendance at school, child care, or adult day care.
- Pentagon/Shanksville, PA Responders - emergency responders, recovery and cleanup workers, and volunteers who were directly involved in the response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the Pentagon in Arlington, VA and the Flight 93 crash near Shanksville, PA.
Members of the WTC Health Center Health Program have important health needs and powerful stories of hope and healing. Visit our Program Videos page to see members share their stories of where they were and how they’ve been helped through the WTC Health Program.
Does your 9/11 experience match one of the above groups? If you are not already a member, consider applying to the WTC Health Program. Visit our How to Apply page for more information or call 1-888-982-4748.
Where We Provide Care
Members of the WTC Health Program live in every state of the nation and we strive to meet our members’ needs no matter where they are. Members in the New York and New Jersey area can access care through one of our Clinical Centers of Excellence (CCEs). Members outside of New York can join the Nationwide Provider Network (NPN) to find a health provider close to their homes. For assistance finding a provider please call the WTC Health Program at 1-888-982-4748.
How the Program Pays for Care
Through the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, we are able to provide medical and mental health services at no cost to you. This means that you can access services without having to pay any co-payments, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket expenses for treatment of your certified 9/11-related health conditions. The following information helps explain this important benefit.
What We Cover
The WTC Health Program is not an insurance program. It is only intended to provide monitoring and treatment services for certified 9/11-related health conditions. For a complete list of conditions, visit our Covered Conditions page.
We will cover the costs associated for your care when you:
- Use healthcare providers and pharmacies that are affiliated with our Program.
- Are seeking care for a condition that is certified through the Program to be 9/11-related.
- Have your treatment approved or authorized by the WTC Health Program before it is administered.