Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2025
Summary
The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2025 aims to improve the process for filing and adjudicating claims under the Black Lung Benefits Act, better protect miners from pneumoconiosis, and enhance the financial security of the Black Lung Benefits Disability Trust Fund. The bill addresses issues such as resource disparities between coal companies and claimants, inadequate cost-of-living adjustments for benefits, and insufficient financial security for self-insured coal companies.
Key provisions include providing assistance with claims, clarifying eligibility for benefits, developing medical evidence by the Secretary of Labor, and addressing false statements or misrepresentations. It also focuses on readjudicating cases involving certain chest radiographs and establishing an attorneys' fees and medical expenses payment program.
Furthermore, the act seeks to improve the financial security of the Black Lung Benefits Disability Trust Fund by setting forth requirements for coal mine operators to qualify as self-insurers and increasing penalties for failing to secure benefit payments.
Expected Effects
This act is likely to streamline the claims process for black lung benefits, ensuring miners and their families receive timely and fair compensation. It should also lead to better medical evaluations and legal representation for claimants.
Additionally, the act aims to strengthen the financial stability of the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, reducing the burden on taxpayers. Stronger oversight of self-insured coal companies should ensure they meet their obligations to workers.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined claims process for black lung benefits, reducing delays and complexities.
- Improved access to legal representation and medical evaluations for miners and their families.
- Enhanced financial security for the Black Lung Benefits Disability Trust Fund, protecting taxpayer dollars.
- Increased benefit adjustments to keep pace with the rising cost of living.
- Stronger oversight of coal companies' self-insurance plans, ensuring they meet their obligations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative costs associated with providing assistance and developing medical evidence.
- Potential for increased litigation due to clarified eligibility criteria and readjudication of cases.
- Possible financial strain on the Black Lung Benefits Disability Trust Fund if claims increase significantly.
- Risk of fraudulent claims or misrepresentations despite increased penalties.
- Potential for delays in the implementation of the act due to the need for new regulations and procedures.
Constitutional Alignment
The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2025 appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Article I, Section 8), which allows Congress to provide for the well-being of its citizens. The act addresses health and economic security for coal miners and their families, a vulnerable population affected by occupational hazards.
Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), which includes the coal industry. Providing benefits to miners affected by black lung disease can be seen as a regulation related to the industry's impact on workers' health.
The Fifth Amendment's due process clause requires fair procedures for adjudicating claims, which the act seeks to improve. The act's provisions regarding false statements and attorney disqualification also support the integrity of the legal process.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).