Is black lung workers compensation?
The Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA) is a type of federal workers’ compensation benefits program that provides monthly payments and medical benefits to coal miners totally disabled from pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) arising from employment in or around the nation’s coal mines.
Does black lung qualify for disability?
Pursuant to federal law, Black Lung Disease becomes a “total disability” once it reaches a level of severity where the miner is not only unable to do his previous coal mining work, but also cannot (with consideration of education, work experience and other various work available) meet the physical demands of other coal …
What does black lung Benefits cover?
The Black Lung Benefits Act provides monthly payments and medical benefits to coal miners totally disabled from pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) arising from their employment in or around the nation’s coal mines. The Act also provides monthly benefits to a miner’s dependent survivors.
How do you get black lung benefits?
The Black Lung Benefits Act requires each coal mine operator to secure the payment of its benefits liability by either qualifying as a self-insurer or by purchasing and maintaining in force a commercial insurance contract (including a policy or contract procured from a State agency).
What is the federal black lung compensation program?
The Federal Black Lung Program is a workers’ compensation program designed to compensate coal miners who suffer from black lung. HealthSmart Casualty Claims Solutions’ Federal Black Lung Program helps employers and their employees through the claims process should the unfortunate occur.
How to appeal a black lung benefits decision?
The Administrative Law Judge’s decision may be appealed to the Benefits Review Board, and the Benefits Review Board’s decision may be appealed to a U.S. Court of Appeals. There are no federal workplace poster or notice requirements under the Black Lung Benefits Act. There are recordkeeping requirements for employers under the BLBA.
What are the standards of service for black lung?
The Federal Black Lung Program believes its customers are entitled to the following standards of service: Monitoring of benefits to ensure that payments are issued properly and accurately. Black Lung benefits form a substantial percentage of income for many recipients. Benefit payments are issued monthly.
How often do you get black lung benefits?
Black Lung benefits form a substantial percentage of income for many recipients. Benefit payments are issued monthly. The Program is proud of its track record when it comes to benefit delivery and customer service.