OWCP News Release: [10/16/2014]
Contact Name: Ann Mangold Lindsay Williams
Phone Number: (202) 693-4679 (678) 237-0630
Email Address: mangold.ann.r@dol.gov williams.lindsay.l@dol.gov
Release Number: 14-1958-ATL

US Labor Department to participate in town hall meetings in Paducah, Kentucky, on Oct. 21 and 22 to assist nuclear weapons workers

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor along with other federal agencies will host three town hall meetings on Oct. 21 and 22 in Paducah, Kentucky, to provide current and former nuclear weapons workers, including those who worked at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, with information about the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act and the medical benefits provided to approved claimants under the program.

The EEOICPA, which is administered by the Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation, provides lump-sum compensation and medical benefits to current and former nuclear weapons workers. Survivors of qualified workers may also be entitled to benefits.

The 6 p.m. CDT meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21, and the 10 a.m. CDT meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22, are being hosted by the Joint Outreach Task Group, of which DEEOIC is a member. DEEOIC staff will present an overview of Parts B and E of the EEOICPA. Representatives from other group members, such as the U.S. Department of Energy and its Former Worker Medical Screening Program; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Ombudsman to NIOSH for the EEOICPA; and U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Ombudsman for the EEOICPA, will be available to answer questions.

At the 1:30 p.m. CDT meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22, DEEOIC staff will present information about the medical benefits provided to claimants who have been approved under the EEOICPA, including home health care services and ways better serve EEOICPA claimants. Staff from DEEOIC’s Jacksonville district office and Paducah resource center will be available for extended hours on both Oct. 21 and 22 to assist individuals with the filing of new claims under the EEOICPA and to provide claimants with updates on their existing claims.

On July 31, 2001, DOL began administering Part B of the EEOICPA. Part B covers current or former workers who have been diagnosed with cancer, beryllium disease or chronic silicosis, and whose illness was caused by exposure to radiation, beryllium or silica while working directly for the U.S. Department of Energy, its contractors or subcontractors, a designated Atomic Weapons Employer, or a beryllium vendor. Part E, created by an amendment to the EEOICPA on Oct. 28, 2004, provides federal compensation and medical benefits to DOE contractor and subcontractor employees who worked at covered facilities and sustained an illness because of exposure to toxic substances.

To date, $584.3 million in EEOICPA compensation and medical benefits has been paid to 4,895 claimants living in Kentucky, while more than $10.8 billion has been paid nationwide. For additional information about the upcoming town hall meetings or to schedule an appointment for claim-filing assistance, contact the Paducah resource center toll free at 866-534-0599. These meetings are open to the public and pre-registration is not required. Space is limited and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

MEETING LOCATION:

Robert Cherry Civic Center
2701 Park Ave.
Paducah, KY 42001

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
DATES & TIMES:

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6 p.m. CDT
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. CDT
(Note: the same presentation will be given during each session)

MEDICAL BENEFIT
PRESENTATION DATE & TIME:

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1:30 p.m. CDT

EXTENDED DISTRICT OFFICE &
RESOURCE CENTER HOURS:

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6 p.m. CDT until end of presentation
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 9:30 a.m. to noon CDT
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CDT

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