The Affordable Care Act signed into law by Congress on March 23, 2010 ensured long-term healthcare benefits for individuals exposed to environmentalhealth hazards. Although this legislation is broad reaching, the Libby, Montana asbestos exposure is the only site thus far to be declared a public health emergency and therefore eligible for the programs identified in the legislation.

There are three components of the legislation. Part one is Asbestos Related Medicare benefits. Part two is a “pilot program” that is still in the process of being developed by the federal agencies. This program should be in place before FLASH ends. Part three is a screening program for at-risk individuals for environmental health conditions. This program will be created through some kind of grant process. Federal agencies are in the process of setting this up and it should also be in place before CARD Screening ends.

We will provide you with new information about these programs as it becomes available.