Home - Medicare Pilot Program for Asbestos Related Disease

The Medicare Pilot Program for Asbestos Related Disease (MPPARD) is an innovative program for certain people with Medicare in certain counties in Montana, Washington, and Idaho. The program provides comprehensive, coordinated, and cost-effective care, including services not normally covered under Medicare. Beneficiaries who enroll in this Pilot Program will be able to work with a nurse case manager who will help them get the care they need. There is no cost to participate in the Pilot Program.

Libby, Montana is the site of a public health emergency caused by airborne pollutants from a vermiculite mine in the 1920s to the 1990s. The Environmental Protection Agency declared the area a public health emergency on June 17, 2009. People who developed certain medical conditions as a result of exposure to this health hazard are eligible for Medicare under the Affordable Care Act’s "Exposure to Environmental Health Hazards" provision.

Noridian has administered the Pilot Program for Medicare since July 1, 2011. Initially, benefits and services of the Medicare Pilot Program for Asbestos Related Disease were limited to residents residing in Lincoln and Flathead Counties. In March 2014, the Pilot Program expanded to include coverage of additional beneficiaries and geographic areas. These beneficiaries are required to show proof of having lived in the Pilot service area (including the expansion counties). The following is a list of the geographic areas for the program.

Along with meeting residency requirements, these following requirements must also be met:

• Have Medicare under the Affordable Care Act’s "Exposure to Environmental Health Hazards" (EHH) provision
• Have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
• Have Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

For additional enrollment requirements, including drug coverage under this pilot program, see the Beneficiaries Enrollment page on this website.

How to Enroll

To enroll in Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-888-482-3128.

If you think you qualify for this pilot program, call Noridian at 1-888-469-9464 to enroll in the pilot or to receive more information.