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Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2022

USA117th CongressS-4511| Senate 
| Updated: 7/13/2022
Robert P. Casey

Robert P. Casey

Democratic Senator

Pennsylvania

Cosponsors (4)
Mark R. Warner (Democratic)Tim Kaine (Democratic)Joe Manchin (Independent)Sherrod Brown (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2022 This bill revises requirements for miners' claims for pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) benefits. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Labor to pay the attorneys' fees of specified parties on a qualifying benefit claim, give a claimant the opportunity to substantiate a claim for benefits through a pulmonary evaluation, authorize a CT (computerized tomography) scan in diagnosing complicated pneumoconiosis, and develop a strategy to reduce delays in adjudication of black lung disease benefits claims. The bill also establishes criteria that a mining operator must meet to self-insure against claims and increases from $1,000 to $25,000 the daily penalty amount that may be assessed against a mining operator that fails to make black lung benefits payments. The bill authorizes (1) black lung disease clinics to use federal funds to help individuals file claims, and (2) certain previously denied claimants to file a new claim for black lung disease benefits within one year. The bill prohibits a person from (1) knowingly and willfully making a false statement or misrepresentation in increasing or reducing black lung disease benefits, or (2) threatening or misleading a participant in a proceeding regarding such benefits. Further, the bill revises (1) the standards of medical evidence that establish a presumption that a miner is totally disabled by black lung disease, and (2) payments to such miners. Lastly, the bill provides statutory authority for the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-2205
Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2019
Jul 13, 2022
Introduced in Senate
Jul 13, 2022
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Dec 23, 2022

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 117-6102
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 483.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-2205
    Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2019


  • July 13, 2022
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 13, 2022
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


  • December 23, 2022

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 117-6102
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 483.

Labor and Employment

Related Bills

  • HR 117-6102: Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2022

Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2022

USA117th CongressS-4511| Senate 
| Updated: 7/13/2022
Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2022 This bill revises requirements for miners' claims for pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) benefits. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Labor to pay the attorneys' fees of specified parties on a qualifying benefit claim, give a claimant the opportunity to substantiate a claim for benefits through a pulmonary evaluation, authorize a CT (computerized tomography) scan in diagnosing complicated pneumoconiosis, and develop a strategy to reduce delays in adjudication of black lung disease benefits claims. The bill also establishes criteria that a mining operator must meet to self-insure against claims and increases from $1,000 to $25,000 the daily penalty amount that may be assessed against a mining operator that fails to make black lung benefits payments. The bill authorizes (1) black lung disease clinics to use federal funds to help individuals file claims, and (2) certain previously denied claimants to file a new claim for black lung disease benefits within one year. The bill prohibits a person from (1) knowingly and willfully making a false statement or misrepresentation in increasing or reducing black lung disease benefits, or (2) threatening or misleading a participant in a proceeding regarding such benefits. Further, the bill revises (1) the standards of medical evidence that establish a presumption that a miner is totally disabled by black lung disease, and (2) payments to such miners. Lastly, the bill provides statutory authority for the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-2205
Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2019
Jul 13, 2022
Introduced in Senate
Jul 13, 2022
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Dec 23, 2022

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 117-6102
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 483.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-2205
    Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2019


  • July 13, 2022
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 13, 2022
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


  • December 23, 2022

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 117-6102
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 483.
Robert P. Casey

Robert P. Casey

Democratic Senator

Pennsylvania

Cosponsors (4)
Mark R. Warner (Democratic)Tim Kaine (Democratic)Joe Manchin (Independent)Sherrod Brown (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Labor and Employment

Related Bills

  • HR 117-6102: Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2022
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted