Coal miners with black lung disease would receive expedited benefits if a bill introduced by Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) is passed into law. Rep. Rogers and Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) co-introduced legislation named for the late John “J.L.” White, of Whitley County, a former coal miner from Williamsburg. Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House, said in a statement that Mr. White’s story is far too common. He said he was honored to help J.L’s family finally receive the benefits he rightfully earned to pay his medical expenses, but unfortunately, he never got to see the first check. Rep. Rogers’ staff said the bill would ensure former coal miners who have met the Department of Labor’s medical eligibility requirements can begin receiving payments from the trust fund 60 days after approval. Rep. Rogers called it a critical fix because Medicare coverage for disabled coal miners with black lung disease stops for some medical services and prescriptions, like inhalers, even though the miners have not yet started receiving payments. Kentucky has the third largest number of black lung claims, with more than 119,000 claims filed since 1973, according to the Department of Labor.
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