Jay, GAO call for reforms in black lung benefits program
Citing a new Government Accountability Office report, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., is calling for reforms in the way the federal government processes benefits for miners who have contracted deadly black lung disease.
In a statement this afternoon, Rockefeller said:
Miners are the heart of the Mountain State, and we must continue fighting to protect their health and hard-earned benefits. I requested a comprehensive study of the Black Lung Benefits Program because I heard countless shamefull and alarming stories about coal miners whose benefits were routinely delayed or denied altogether.
Some cases have taken decades to resolve — this is impractical, harmful and absolutely unacceptable, given the immediate medical needs of those living with black lung.
You can read the full GAO report here, and Rockfeller’s letter requesting it here.
