Bill Overview
Title: John White Ensuring Timely Black Lung Benefits Act
Description: This bill requires payment of black lung benefits to eligible individuals within 60 days of their eligibility determination. Black lung disease (or pneumoconiosis) is a lung disease caused by the inhalation of coal dust. Coal miners and certain other workers (and their survivors) are eligible for benefits for disability or death caused by black lung disease arising out of coal mine employment. Generally, operators of underground coal mines are responsible for the payment of black lung benefits for their workers. Under this bill, if operator liability has not been determined within 60 days of a worker's eligibility determination, the Department of Labor must pay the worker's benefits from the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. (Typically, that fund pays benefits in cases where the responsible operator either no longer exists and has no successor operator or is unable to pay benefits.) Operators that are subsequently found liable for the benefits must reimburse the fund.
Sponsors: Rep. Rogers, Harold [R-KY-5]
Target Audience
Population: People potentially eligible for black lung benefits
Estimated Size: 50000
- Black lung disease primarily affects coal miners who have been exposed to coal dust.
- Eligible individuals for black lung benefits include current or former coal miners suffering from pneumoconiosis and their survivors.
- There are an estimated 50,000 former underground coal miners in the U.S. who could potentially be eligible for benefits.
- This bill aims to streamline and ensure timely payment, impacting those waiting for benefit determinations.
- In addition to miners, the bill also affects their survivors, representing families or dependents of deceased miners.
Reasoning
- Black lung disease affects a significant, though niche, population of primarily former coal miners or their families, making exact estimates challenging.
- The impact of this policy is likely to be high for those still awaiting benefits but negligible for former miners whose benefits have already been processed or who were ineligible.
- The budget allocation needs to prioritize timely benefits to those waiting for resolutions to prevent undue hardship.
- Survivors of miners could potentially have different views based on their current economic conditions and how promptly they receive benefits.
Simulated Interviews
retired coal miner (West Virginia)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been struggling to make ends meet while waiting for these benefits.
- This policy sounds like it could finally provide some relief and support for medical costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
homemaker (Kentucky)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We've been getting by on what savings we had, but it's been tough.
- I've lost faith in getting more timely benefits, but this policy could change that.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
coal miner (Pennsylvania)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about what happens if my condition worsens.
- Knowing I can get benefits quickly would ease a lot of stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
nurse (Illinois)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been waiting for years to see any benefits, hoping this policy could finally bring closure.
- The stress from financial insecurity affects my mental and physical health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 1 |
healthcare policy analyst (Pennsylvania)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with proactive healthcare support.
- I see high benefit for those affected, but it's limited to a specific group.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
retired (Virginia)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I didn't get black lung but have friends who did. Even if I'm okay, the policy is necessary for those waiting.
- The policy seems fair to ensure no one waits unnecessarily.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
coal miner's spouse (Ohio)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is promising if it really ensures we get the support quicker.
- We might be able to pay medical bills without sinking deeper into debt.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
miner (Alabama)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing that there's a safety net if I ever need it is reassuring.
- This policy should help those who are already struggling to receive benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
former coal miner (West Virginia)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I wish this policy had been around years ago, but I'm glad for others.
- They need to get their benefits fast.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
widow (Kentucky)
Age: 66 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's been a waiting game to receive anything helpful.
- If this policy makes that wait shorter, it could change my life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $8000000)
Year 2: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $8000000)
Year 3: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $8000000)
Year 5: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $8000000)
Year 10: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $8000000)
Year 100: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $8000000)
Key Considerations
- The accuracy of the initial eligibility and liability determination processes.
- Fiscal stability and solvency of the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.
- Reimbursement rate and timeliness by coal operators.
- Potential changes in the coal industry affecting the number of individuals with claims.