The WTC Health Program and How it Works

• What is the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010?

  On January 2, 2011, the President signed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Zadroga Act) into law. This law amended the Public Health Service Act, establishing the WTC Health Program, to be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. A second part of the Act reopened and modified the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), initially operated from 2001 to 2004, under the administration of the Department of Justice. For more information on the VCF visit www.vcf.gov. To contact the WTC Health Program, please call the toll-free number at 1-888-982-4748.

• What does the WTC Health Program provide?

  The WTC Health Program provides medical monitoring and treatment for emergency responders, recovery, and cleanup workers, and volunteers who helped after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the crash site near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

  The WTC Health Program also provides health evaluations and treatment for eligible people who were present in the dust or dust cloud on 9/11 or who worked, resided, or attended school, childcare, or adult daycare in the New York City disaster area for a period of time on 9/11 and/or during the following months.

  In addition to providing medical monitoring and treatment the WTC Health Program also provides:

  • Education and outreach to people who may be eligible;
  • Collection and analysis of physical and mental health data with members' permission; and
  • Research to better understand health conditions related to the attacks.
• Does the Program cost me anything?

  There are no out-of-pocket costs for members who:

  • Use healthcare providers approved by the WTC Health Program for eligible medical evaluation, monitoring, and treatment; and
    
  • Use pharmacies that participate in the WTC Health Program to fill any prescriptions you are given for a WTC-related health condition by an approved WTC Health Program healthcare provider.
    
• Aren't I already enrolled in this Program?

  Yes, you are already enrolled in the WTC Health Program if:

  • You are a New York City responder or volunteer and were enrolled in the WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program (MMTP). (The MMTP was replaced by the WTC Health Program in July 2011.);
    
  • You are a member of the Fire Department of New York (active or retired) and were enrolled in the MMTP. (The MMTP was replaced by the WTC Health Program in July 2011.);
    
  • You are a community member and were enrolled in the WTC Environmental Health Center Community Program on or before December 31, 2010. (The WTC Environmental Health Center Community Program was replaced by the WTC Health Program in July 2011.) Your category in the new Program is called "Survivor."
    

  The WTC Health Program worked with the previous programs (MMTP and WTC Environmental Health Center Community Program) to enroll you into the new WTC Health Program. – You do not need to do anything unless you were notified that you need to re-enroll (see FAQs "I am a survivor who enrolled in the earlier WTC Environmental Health Center Community Program on or after January 1, 2011. What do I do?" and "I enrolled in the WTC Health Program after January 1, 2011. Why do I need to re-enroll?"). You will continue to receive quality medical benefits for WTC-related health conditions, including inpatient and outpatient treatment and medications, under the new WTC Health Program.

  If you are not sure you are enrolled, call the WTC Health Program at 1-888-982-4748.

• I am a responder or survivor who isn't enrolled yet. What will the Program provide for me?

  Responders who enroll in the WTC Health Program receive annual medical monitoring. If you have a health condition(s) that is certified as a WTC-related health condition (i.e., an illness or health condition for which exposure to airborne toxins, other hazards, or other adverse conditions resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that was substantially likely to be a significant factor in aggravating, contributing to, or causing the illness or health condition), the WTC Health Program's healthcare providers will provide quality medical treatment for the WTC-related health condition.

  Survivors who enroll will receive an initial health evaluation. The evaluation is to find out if you have a health condition eligible for coverage by the WTC Health Program. If you have a health condition that is considered WTC-related, the doctor will request that the WTC Health Program certify your condition(s) as eligible for treatment under the Program. If you have a health condition(s) that is certified as a WTC-related health condition as defined by the Zadroga Act (i.e., an illness or health condition for which exposure to airborne toxins, other hazards, or other adverse conditions resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks was substantially likely to be a significant factor in aggravating, contributing to, or causing the illness or health condition), the WTC Health Program's healthcare providers will provide quality medical treatment for the WTC-related health condition. For more information, see FAQ "What happens if I get sick after my initial health evaluation?"

• What if I can’t find any required supporting documentation?

  If you have difficulty obtaining the required supporting documentation, you must first explain in writing:

  1. What you did to try and get copies of those records.
  2. Why you can’t include them with your application.

  Then, you can submit a third party attestation, which is a letter written by someone who can honestly say that you worked or volunteered at a 9/11 disaster site(s). This person may be a family member, a friend, an employer, or someone you worked alongside. The letter must explain all of the following:

  • The type of work you performed (activity),
  • The location(s) where you worked,
  • The time frame you worked, and
  • How many hours per day you worked

  If no one can write a letter supporting you, you may submit a first party attestation. A first party attestation is a letter that you write yourself that contains this same information. 

  All letters must be signed by the person writing them. We cannot accept unsigned letters. Include as many details as possible as this information will help us review your application.

Responders who enroll in the WTC Health Program receive annual medical monitoring. If you have a health condition(s) that is certified as a WTC-related health condition (i.e., an illness or health condition for which exposure to airborne toxins, other hazards, or other adverse conditions resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that was substantially likely to be a significant factor in aggravating, contributing to, or causing the illness or health condition), the WTC Health Program's healthcare providers will provide quality medical treatment for the WTC-related health condition.

Survivors who enroll will receive an initial health evaluation. The evaluation is to find out if you have a health condition eligible for coverage by the WTC Health Program. If you have a health condition that is considered WTC-related, the doctor will request that the WTC Health Program certify your condition(s) as eligible for treatment under the Program. If you have a health condition(s) that is certified as a WTC-related health condition as defined by the Zadroga Act (i.e., an illness or health condition for which exposure to airborne toxins, other hazards, or other adverse conditions resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks was substantially likely to be a significant factor in aggravating, contributing to, or causing the illness or health condition), the WTC Health Program's healthcare providers will provide quality medical treatment for the WTC-related health condition. For more information, see FAQ "What happens if I get sick after my initial health evaluation?"

• Will the WTC Health Program pay for inpatient care?

  Yes. As long as the reason you are hospitalized is for treatment of a strongly suspected or certified WTC-related health condition, the WTC Health Program will pay for inpatient care. You should speak to your Clinical Center of Excellence or the Nationwide Provider Network about your inpatient care needs.

• Will current members be issued new health cards from the WTC Health Program?

  In July 2013, the WTC Health Program began sending out member cards, but you do not need a card to receive coverage for certified WTC-related health conditions.

• Is this a research program?

  The main goal of this Program is to provide healthcare for eligible individuals with WTC-related health conditions. When you come in for an exam, you will be asked if the clinic can add your health information to the data which researchers are using to better understand health effects as a result of the 9/11 attacks.

  However, you are not required to disclose your health information. If you choose not to sign the consent form, you will still be able to receive your monitoring exam, as well as treatment for certified WTC-related health conditions. If you do consent to let researchers see your health information, your name and contact information will not be given to them. Only your health information will be a part of the research record—not your identity.

New York City, Pentagon, or Shanksville Responder Thinking About Enrolling in the WTC Health Program

• How do I find out if I am eligible for the WTC Health Program?

  Please visit www.cdc.gov/wtc/ or call us at 1-888-982-4748 to determine if you may be eligible for the WTC Health Program. You can also download the enrollment form that fits you best at: www.cdc.gov/wtc/apply.html. If you need a paper form mailed to you, call us toll-free at 1-888-982-4748.

• How do I apply to the WTC Health Program?

  To apply to the WTC Health Program please visit our How to Apply page. You may download an enrollment form www.cdc.gov/wtc/apply.html. The application can be completed online, printed, and then submitted via mail or fax. If you do not have access to a computer, you can ask for a copy of the application to be mailed to you by calling 1-888-982-4748. Approval times for each application will vary. Once you have been approved for enrollment in the WTC Health Program, you will receive an acceptance letter notifying you of your approval. You can check the status of your application by calling us at 1-888-982-4748.

• What type of information is in the application?

  There are three responder applications—FDNY responder, general responder, and Pentagon & Shanksville responder. The applications request:

  • applicant information (name, mailing address, phone number, and similar information),
    
  • a series of questions for you to answer about your 9/11 terrorist site experience,
    
  • an explanation of the required documentation of your work experience and what to do if you cannot provide the documentation,
    
  • an attestation and acknowledgment that you have completed the application truthfully and that you understand the notices provided in the application that must be signed to complete the application.
    

  All application forms and their instructions can be found at How to Apply. You can download the form and complete it electronically or you can print it and complete it manually. If you complete the form electronically, you will need to print the form and sign and date it before sending your application.

  If you have questions about the application process or about your individual application, please contact us at 1-888-982-4748 or by email at WTC@cdc.gov.

• What will I need for supporting documentation?

  You will need to provide copies of documents that show you worked at one of the 9/11 terrorist sites. An explanation of what specific information you need and what to do if you cannot locate that information can be found at Supporting Documentation.

• It's been over a decade, why should I see a doctor now?

  Though the September 11th attacks were over a decade ago, many first responders continue to experience physical and mental health symptoms as a result of their experience. Current or eligible responders may not recognize that some cancers, a chronic cough, difficulty sleeping, or frequent heartburn could be a WTC-related condition (although the term relates to the World Trade Center in New York City, the WTC Health Program identifies all covered conditions, including those that affect Pentagon or Shanksville responders, as "WTC-related"). Doctors with the WTC Health Program are experts in identifying these illnesses and providing the highest quality care.

• How would I know if my health problems are related to 9/11?

  Only a physician in the WTC Health Program can make that determination. By law, the WTC Health Program is limited to the coverage of certified WTC-related health conditions. If you believe you may be eligible for the Program, more information on the program and applications can be found on our How to Apply page.

• If my health conditions are found to be related to my WTC work and exposures, what can I do?
  

  Your WTC Health Program provider will meet with you individually, informing you of the treatment and services available through the WTC Health Program.

• What if during my exam a health condition is found that is not covered by the WTC Health Program?

  You will be referred to someone to talk to about healthcare that is available through other options outside of the WTC Health Program. There may be resources available for reduced cost or other socially funded healthcare programs.

• If I have work-related health issues that are not related to my WTC work and exposures, what can I do?

  The New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network can provide diagnosis and treatment of work-related health conditions.

Survivor Thinking About Enrolling in the WTC Health Program

• How do I find out if I am eligible for the WTC Health Program?

  Please visit www.cdc.gov/wtc/ or call us at 1-888-982-4748 to determine if you may be eligible for the WTC Health Program. You can also download the enrollment form that fits you best at: www.cdc.gov/wtc/apply.html. If you need a paper form mailed to you, call us toll-free at 1-888-982-4748.

• How do I apply to the WTC Health Program?

  To apply to the WTC Health Program please visit our How to Apply page. You may download an enrollment form www.cdc.gov/wtc/apply.html. The application can be completed online, printed, and then submitted via mail or fax. If you do not have access to a computer, you can ask for a copy of the application to be mailed to you by calling 1-888-982-4748. Approval times for each application will vary. Once you have been approved for enrollment in the WTC Health Program, you will receive an acceptance letter notifying you of your approval. You can check the status of your application by calling us at 1-888-982-4748.

• Does my family member need to enroll in the program to receive benefits?

  Yes. Although the two of you are related, your family member is considered a new member and must go through the enrollment process in order to be in the WTC Health Program.

• What type of information is in the application?

  The application contains:

  • applicant information (name, mailing address, phone number, and similar information),
    
  • a series of questions for you to answer about your 9/11 terrorist site experience,
    
  • an explanation of the required documentation of your work experience and what to do if you cannot provide the documentation,
    
  • an attestation and acknowledgment that you have completed the application truthfully and that you understand the notices provided in the application that must be signed to complete the application.
    

  All application forms and their instructions can be found at How to Apply. You can download the form and complete it electronically or you can print it and complete it manually. If you complete the form electronically, you will need to print the form and sign and date it before sending your application.

  If you have questions about the application process or about your individual application, please contact us at 1-888-982-4748 or by email at WTC@cdc.gov.

• What will I need for supporting documentation?

  You will need to provide copies of documents that show you were present at the 9/11 terrorist site. An explanation of what specific information you need and what to do if you cannot locate that information can be found at Supporting Documentation.

It's been over a decade, why should I see a doctor now?

Though the September 11th attacks were over a decade ago, many first responders continue to experience physical and mental health symptoms as a result of their experience. Current or eligible responders may not recognize that some cancers, a chronic cough, difficulty sleeping, or