Thousands Eligible for Free 9/11 Exams and Funds

U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler,, center, flanked by Capt. Al Hagan, left, head of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, and U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, right, addresses a news conference near the World Trader Center site, in New York, Monday, June 24, 2013. They are are joining community and labor officials and emergency workers top reach out to people who may have been physically affected by the 9/11 attacks to tell them they may still be eligible for health benefits. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

NEW YORK—First responders and other 9/11 survivors have less than 100 days to make claims for economic losses and apply for free medical services.

Tens of thousands of people are eligible for free medical exams, treatment and medication under the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, created by the James Zadroga Act. Some people are also eligible for payments from the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.

The catch is that potentially eligible people must register before the Oct. 3 deadline, prompting members of New York’s congressional delegation to put out a call for registrants.

Some common ailments and symptoms of those exposed to toxins post-9/11 include respiratory disease, cancer, and other health complications. First responders are considered a particularly high-risk group.

Even those not currently showing symptoms are being encouraged to register and get checked for free under the WTC Health Program.

People who were in downtown Brooklyn, and Manhattan south of Houston Street for one year following 9/11, or who were in the dust cloud for any period of time might be eligible. Cleanup and recovery volunteers who worked south of Canal Street or at Ground Zero, at the Staten Island Infill, at the barge loading piers, or in the NYC Chief Medical Examiner’s Office may also be eligible.

Other eligible individuals could include those who got exposed to toxins at The World Trade Center, The Pentagon, and in Shanksville, P.A.

Online applications are available and one free medical exam is provided. If an individual qualifies for further treatment, he or she can get subsequent free medical exams, treatment and medication.

The World Trade Center Health Program’s website, www.nycosh.org/wtc, has more information and an information hotline is available at 888-982-4748.