The Occupational Disease Pilot Program & Healthcare
Single-Payer System
The Federal Government established a prototype, single-payer medical delivery system for treating occupational disease conditions. The program targeted those injured by exposure to asbestos fiber in Libby, Montana.
Long burden by contested occupational disease claims, the various compensation systems throughout the nation, and the Medicare and Medicare delivery systems have been challenged by miss application of medical costs.
While the Medicare Secondary Payer Act provides a remedy for the reimbursement of medical costs erroneously paid for by the Federal government, the “Libby Care System” is a model to rebalance the costs and expedite medical delivery without misallocating responsibility and cost-shifting from the taxpayers.
Legal Talk Network Host and Attorney Alan S. Pierce welcomes Jon L. Gelman to discuss health care and workers’ compensation and the Occupational Disease Pilot Program: a close look at the delivery of medical benefits when it comes to occupational disease and how workers' compensation may or may not fit into the big picture of universal health care or health care reform.
Click here to listen to the interview (duration 27:58): http://tinyurl.com/ycxee3y
Click here to download the audio file. 50.3 MB
The Libby Montana Asbestos Health Care Program is a remarkable initiative to provide medical support to individuals affected by asbestos exposure in the Libby area. This program is the result of a significant effort by the government and various non-profit organizations to address the public health crisis caused by the vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana. The mine was a major source of asbestos exposure, leading to numerous health problems in the local community.
The program provides various medical services to eligible individuals, including medical evaluations, diagnostic testing, and treatment. The medical evaluations help to identify the extent of asbestos-related health problems, and the diagnostic testing helps to determine the best course of treatment. The program also provides financial assistance to eligible individuals, helping cover medical care and other related expenses.
The success of the Libby Montana Asbestos Health Care Program is evident in the number of individuals who have benefited from it. Since its inception, the program has helped thousands of people affected by asbestos exposure. The program has also helped raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the importance of proper treatment and care for those affected.
However, the success of the program is not without its challenges. The cost of medical care and treatment can be high, and many individuals who need help may not be able to afford it. The program also faces challenges in reaching out to eligible individuals who may not be aware of its existence or may not know how to access its services.
In conclusion, the Libby Montana Asbestos Health Care Program is a significant initiative that has made a real difference in the lives of individuals affected by asbestos exposure. The program has helped to address the public health crisis caused by the vermiculite mine in Libby and has provided vital medical support to those in need. Despite the challenges, the program has successfully provided eligible individuals with much-needed medical care and financial assistance. The program's continued success will depend on sustained efforts to raise awareness, address financial constraints, and provide accessible services to those in need.
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The author, Jon L. Gelman, practices law in Wayne, NJ. He is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (Thomson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (Thomson-Reuters). For over five decades, the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have represented injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
Recommended Citation: Gelman, Jon L., The Occupational Disease Pilot Program & Healthcare, www.gelmans.com (2023), https://www.gelmans.com/ReadingRoom/tabid/65/ArtMID/1482/ArticleID/986/preview/true/Default.aspx
© 2001-2023 Jon L Gelman. All rights reserved.
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