Black Lung Benefits Reform Act

Summary

Black Lung Benefits Reform Act - Stipulates that if a miner was employed for 30 years or more in an underground coal mine, or for 25 years or more in an anthracite coal mine, such miner shall be entitled to the payment of black lung benefits under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Permits a miner to file a claim for workmen's compensation benefits whether or not such miner is employed by an operator of a coal mine at the time the miner files the claim. Directs the Secretary of Labor to notify a miner as soon as practicable after receiving a claim for benefits on whether or not such miner is eligible for benefits. Permits the utilization of affidavits in cases of deceased miners where there is no relevant medical evidence sufficient to establish that the miner was totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis or that his death was due to such disease. Sets forth new regulations and provisions regarding the administration of the workmen's compensation program, and claims thereunder. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations providing for prompt and equitable hearing of appeals by claimants aggreivated by adverse workmen's compensation decisions. Establishes the Black Lung Disability Insurance Fund. Sets forth provisions governing administration of the Fund. States that amounts in the fund shall be available for making expenditures to meet the obligations of the fund, including the expenses of providing medical benefits. Requires operators of coal mines in States not providing workmen's compensation benefits to pay premiums into the fund in order to assure coverage. Provides that the initial premium rate of each operator shall be established by the Secretary as a rate per ton of coal mined by such operator. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund of sums necessary to provide the fund with amounts equal to 50 percent of the amount which the Secretary estimates is necessary for payment of benefits over the initial 12-month period. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Secretary of Labor to disseminate to interested persons and groups the changes in the Black Lung Benefits Act made by this Act.

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Documents

2 official files

• Reported to Senate with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 24 September 1976

  Open at official source

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 14 November 1975

  Open at official source

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