By Hank Russell
A local Congressman is calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to make improvements to the health program for those who responded to the September 11, 2001 attacks and is asking to fix the problems which are preventing them from getting the care they need.
Nick LaLota (R-Rocky Point) sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to request a briefing from the HHS on steps being taken to strengthen the World Trade Center Health Program and address operational issues that may be delaying care for 9/11 responders and survivors. The letter cites staffing shortages, treatment delays, appeals backlogs, and provider reimbursement problems, and asks the administration to explain how it will resolve these challenges while maintaining the program’s long-term stability through 2040.
“More than two decades after the September 11 attacks, thousands of First Responders and survivors still depend on the World Trade Center Health Program for lifesaving care,” LaLota said. “Recent reporting about staffing shortages, delays in authorizations, and claims processing issues is deeply concerning and demands answers. After working in a bipartisan way to secure the program’s funding through 2040, our focus now must be on ensuring the program operates effectively and delivers timely care to the men and women who sacrificed so much on that day, ”
In a copy of the letter obtained by Long Island Life & Politics, LaLota noted that the program serves approximately 140,000 responders and survivors throughout the country and, through bipartisan support, the program will be continuously funded. But there is still a way to go, the congressman said.
“Despite this progress, recent reporting and outreach from program participants, providers, and advocates raise concerns about operational challenges that may be affecting the program’s ability to fully deliver on its mission,” LaLota wrote. “We believe these issues merit attention and resolution. A strengthened WTCHP supports the responders and survivors who answered the call on 9/11, and delivers on the administration’s objectives of honoring the heroes who serve our country.”
The letter was co-signed by a New York and New Jersey GOP contingent that included Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport).
“My New York colleagues and I were proud to have recently secured long-term funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, but funding alone isn’t enough,” said Garbarino, who also chairs the Homeland Security Committee. “We need a clear briefing from HHS so Congress can fully understand any issues happening within the program and what steps are being taken to address staffing shortages. 9/11 responders and survivors deserve the best and most efficient program possible; one that delivers timely care without delays or red tape.”
James Brosi, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 854, said, “Nearly 25 years later, the firefighters and officers who responded to the World Trade Center are still living with the health consequences of that day. The World Trade Center Health Program must have the staffing and provider network needed to ensure responders receive the care they deserve. We strongly support expanding and retaining qualified providers and continuing to add new diseases linked to 9/11 exposure, so no responder is left behind.”