WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) questioned Eugene Scalia, the nominee to be Secretary of Labor, on the importance of streamlining processing for occupational illness claims for atomic and energy workers, such as those at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS).
“The Department’s Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program provides services to former energy employees, like Nevada’s nuclear test site workers, and compensation for work-related illnesses developed as a result of exposure to radiation and toxic substances,” said Senator Rosen. “These hardworking Americans have sacrificed and served our country by working at test sites and other locations that are essential to defending our nation from attack.”
“I understand from home health care providers in Nevada that changes implemented by the Department earlier this year have made it harder for former atomic and energy workers to get their claims approved and access benefits that help them afford health care. For example, the Department made a change last spring that now requires two forms, one from the claimant and one from a physician, both of which must be mailed to the Department. Will you commit to working to streamline the claims approval process, and specifically implementing an electronic claims process, so that energy workers – many of whom are sick, aging, or in chronic pain – can get the care they need?” asked Senator Rosen.
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