Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zadroga Act?
The Zadroga Act is named after James Zadroga, an NYPD Detective who died in 2006 from respiratory failure linked to 9/11 dust exposure. It provided initial funding for two separate but related federal benefit programs: The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). Since then, it was reauthorized in 2015 and made permanent in 2019.
What is the “Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act”?
This Act (named after responders who paved the way for funding prior to succumbing to 9/11-related illnesses) allows for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) to accept claims until 2090.
What is the difference between the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)?
The WTCHP provides free medical monitoring, treatment, and medication for physical and psychological conditions whereas the VCF provides financial compensation for physical conditions. Each program is operated by different government agencies and has different eligibility criteria.
What is the relationship between the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)?
They are two separate benefit programs having similar but different eligibility criteria and application processes. Registering for one program does not mean you are registered for the other and you must apply separately to each. WTCHP physicians determine and certify if 9/11 dust exposure likely caused or contributed to your conditions.
What is the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)?
The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is a federal fund that provides compensation for physical illnesses, injuries, and deaths related to 9/11. This compensation may include pain and suffering, lost earnings, lost benefits, replacement services, reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses, and past out-of-pocket medical expenses.
What is the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)?
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides free medical care for 9/11 responders and survivors who meet eligibility criteria. It is a network of medical facilities that provides free medical monitoring, treatment, and medication for 9/11-related physical and psychological conditions to responders and survivors who meet eligibility criteria.
What is the National Provider Network (NPN)?
The World Trade Center Health Program’s National Provider Network (NPN) provides care for 9/11 responders and survivors who live outside of the New York Metropolitan Area and is currently administered by MCA-Sedgwick. The NPN was designed to allow care near victims’ workplaces or residences.
