Currently the Libby Asbestos Medical Plan (LAMP) provides three categories of benefits all specifically related to the screening and/or treatment of asbestos related diseases associated with the Libby asbestos exposure. Individuals must complete the application and be accepted before receiving benefits. LAMP is funded by a limited amount of money and when the money is gone, so will the LAMP benefits.

The Libby Asbestos Medical Plan (LAMP) became effective September 1, 2003. The funds for the LAMP program have been provided by W.R. Grace & Company pursuant to an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in settlement of a lawsuit. The primary objective of LAMP is to provide health screening services and supplement benefits for services not provided under the existing Grace Libby Medical Program. LAMP was established by, and is currently governed by; a Libby community based volunteer board, the Asbestos Related Health Care Project (ARHCP). The program is administered by New West Health Services located in Kalispell, Montana.

LAMP II continues the LAMP programs thanks to appropriated funds from the State of Montana. It is anticipated that these funds will last until early 2011, but the bottom line is that when the funds are gone, so are LAMP “Supplemental Benefits” and “Asbestos Related Disease Denied by Grace for Benefits.”
However people with Supplemental Benefits are also grandfathered into FLASH (Federal Libby Asbestos Specialty Healthcare) benefits. LAMP Health Screening Benefits will continue after LAMP II funds are gone. This benefit will utilize the remaining original LAMP funds until they are exhausted.

LAMP provides asbestos health screening benefits for eligible individuals. Benefits cover the “reasonable and customary” amount of expenses incurred for necessary diagnostic tests and an evaluation by a medical provider so a diagnosis can be made if applicable. Utilizing a “Beech Street Provider can limit any potential out of pocket expenses. The covered benefits and guidelines for using them are described in detail when you are accepted on LAMP. You can utilize LAMP screening benefits anywhere outside of Libby, Montana to get a complete asbestos health screening on an annual basis. This benefit category does not cover any other healthcare services.

You are eligible if:

• You worked for W.R. Grace Libby Mine or Mill
• You were a spouse or legal dependent of someone at the time they worked at a W.R. Grace Libby facility
• You lived or worked within a 20 mile radius of a W.R. Grace facility for at least 6 months any time before January 1, 2000.

If you are not eligible:

• You can still get screened at CARD but you will need to cover the costs through your personal insurance benefits (Private Insurance, Medicare, etc). In addition, CARD is always willing to work out individualized payment plans with people for screening and healthcare services if necessary. We recognize financial hardship should never be a barrier to care. If you need help accessing services contact our receptionist.

CARD must charge fees for healthcare services provided. This is the primary funding source to keep CARD open in the Libby community. We do not receive funding from Federal or State Government, W.R. Grace, nor any other entity.

 

Supplemental benefits are for individuals enrolled under the Grace Libby Medical Program administered by HNA/Triveris. LAMP will cover costs for some services not covered by the Grace Libby Medical Program that are directly related to an asbestos related disease. These are specified services that include: prescription drugs, private health insurance deductibles, mental health services, personal care attendant services, nursing home and extended care services. In addition, LAMP will cover costs incurred for medically necessary expenses associated with asbestos related disease that have been denied by the Grace Libby Medical Program but deemed eligible by a qualified medical provider and approved by the LAMP Program Administrator.

This is a new category of benefits (effective 4/1/08) established by one time funding received from the State of Montana. This benefit category will cover services typically covered by the Grace Libby Medical Program administered by Health Network America/Triveris plus the benefits offered under LAMP Supplemental for those people who are diagnosed with an asbestos related disease but denied coverage from the Grace Libby Medical Program.

For more information on any of these benefits contact LAMP.

Contact:
LAMP
c/o New West Health Services
PO Box 548
Kalispell, MT 59903-5048
Phone: 1-877-889-8405 (toll free)