There are understandable misconceptions surrounding the functions of two government programs related to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: the World Trade Center Health Program and the World Trade Center Health Registry. Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo has extensive knowledge of both programs, can explain their differences and provide essential details to guide you when seeking medical treatment, information or filing compensation claims.
WTC Health Program Information and Basic Facts
The WTC Health Program is a federally funded, nationwide program administered by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It was designed to provide medical monitoring and treatment for residents, students, emergency responders, recovery and cleanup workers, and volunteers who were in the New York City disaster area during and immediately following the 9/11 attacks, at the Pentagon, and at the crash site near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Basic WTC Health Registry Information and Basic Facts
The WTC Health Registry is a New York-based, municipal program that was developed to document and evaluate the long-term physical and mental health effects of 9/11 and gaps in care. It is jointly administered by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) and the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). It has been funded by NIOSH since May 2009.
What You Should Know
The Programs Are Unrelated
There is no formal communication or sharing of information between the two programs, and acceptance or involvement in one does not mean you are accepted or involved in the other.
How They Differ
In addition to the fact that they are completely different and unrelated programs, it’s very important to note how and why they are independent of each other. The table below illustrates their differences.
Current Status | Medical Treatment and Coverage | Relationship to VCF | |
WTC Health Program | WTC Health Program is open and active and currently accepting new members | WTC Health Program provides, free of charge, medical screenings, health care, treatment, coverage, and prescription medications for those who were physically affected by the 9/11 attacks and/or lived or worked in the NYC disaster zones | WTC Health Program certifies people for eligibility in the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) |
WTC Health Registry | WTC Health Registry closed in November 2004 and is not accepting new registrants | WTC Health Registry does compiles data and issues studies, but does not offer medical care, health treatment or physical screenings | WTC Health Registry does not provide documentation that is directly useful for VCF claims |
There are several other important differences between the two programs.
Sullivan Papain Block McManus & Cannavo PC has a long history with the WTC Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. If you have questions, you can reach out to us at (800) 962-9954 or via our contact page.
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