World Trade Center Health Program secures long-term funding through 2040

Congress approved legislation that updates financing for the World Trade Center Health Program, preventing a projected multibillion-dollar shortfall and providing funding through 2040.

Congress has passed a funding fix that fully supports the World Trade Center Health Program and aims to prevent a projected multibillion-dollar shortfall. The action was presented as a long-term solution to cover rising medical costs and growing enrollment among people affected by toxic exposure after the Sept. 11 attacks. Since the program's creation in 2011, it reports more than 150,000 people have received care and medical monitoring. Supporters including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said the new measure will fund the program through 2040 and update how the program is financed. Key facts: - Legislation was approved by Congress to update the program's financing and avoid a projected multibillion-dollar shortfall. - The measure is reported to provide funding for the World Trade Center Health Program through 2040. - The program, established in 2011, has helped over 150,000 individuals with medical monitoring and treatment related to 9/11 exposure. - Supporters named include Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Andrew Garbarino, and advocates such as Benjamin Chevat of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act spoke in favor. - Advocates said the previous funding formula did not reflect rising medical costs, growing enrollment, and the needs of aging patients. - Some operational challenges remain, including slowed certification of new conditions, staffing shortages at some clinical sites, and administrative backlogs that have delayed care for certain patients. Summary: The funding change is intended to provide long-term financial stability for people affected by 9/11-related toxic exposure and to reduce the risk of abrupt funding gaps. Undetermined at this time.