Nuclear Care Partners proudly supports the Health Care for Energy Workers Act, a bipartisan bill introduced on June 25th by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Patty Murray (D-WA), in the Senate, which aims to modernize and expand access to health care for former Department of Energy (DOE) workers and contractors through the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). Also, Representatives Rick Allen (R-GA) and Lucy McBath (D- GA) today introduced the Health Care for Energy Workers Act in the House.
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This critical legislation seeks to remove outdated barriers by allowing nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) to order essential care for patients with serious work-related illnesses. Currently, only physicians (MDs and DOs) are permitted to authorize care under the EEOICPA, a policy that causes healthcare inequities and limitations to timely treatment, especially in rural areas.
“Our nation’s former atomic workers made profound sacrifices to keep our country safe,” said Jenna Noem, Founder and CEO of Nuclear Care Partners. “They should never face barriers to the care and compensation they have earned. This legislation is a critical step toward ensuring they receive timely, high-quality support without delay.”
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EEOICPA at 25: Long-Overdue for Reform
Enacted in 2000, the EEOICPA provides compensation and health care to former atomic workers. With over 600,000 workers from more than 300 sites nationwide potentially eligible, the program has played a vital role in supporting those who sacrificed their health for our nation.
As EEOICPA marks its 25th anniversary, this legislation offers a timely update—aligning the program with other federal health systems, such as the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) which already authorizes NPs and PAs to order essential care.
“There is no better time than now, during this 25th anniversary year, to finally align this program with today’s standards,” said Jenna Noem.
Nuclear Care Partners Leads With Advocacy
Nuclear Care Partners began advocating for EEOICPA reform six years ago. This year, in an effort to draw broader support and incite more urgent action, the company led the formation of an industry-wide coalition—uniting competitors to push for meaningful policy change. “United Energy Workers Healthcare is joining this coalition to improve access for this deserving population who sacrificed their health for our country.” Rick Brajer, CEO United Energy Workers Healthcare.
The Call for Swift Passage
Nuclear Care Partners, United Energy Workers, and others urge Congress to pass the Health Care for Energy Workers Act in the House and Senate. By modernizing care delivery, this bill will:
- Shorten wait times for chronically ill patients
- Expand access to those in rural areas
- Honor the sacrifices of our nation’s atomic workers
Noem continues, “We stand ready to support this legislative effort and ensure our patients receive the services they deserve and often need.”
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Source – PR Newswire
