Article Detail - Medicare Pilot Program for Asbestos Related Disease

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 in June 2009. People who developed medical conditions as a result of exposure to this environmental health hazard are eligible for Medicare under the Affordable Care Act’s "Exposure to Environmental Health Hazards" (EHH) provision.

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 will be expanded to include coverage of additional beneficiaries and geographic areas. Residents of certain counties in Montana, Washington and Idaho who meet MPPARD requirements will now be eligible to enroll in the Pilot Program. Following is a list of the expanded geographic areas for the program.

In addition, residents who were previously enrolled in the Pilot Program and lived in Lincoln or Flathead counties, but were disenrolled due to a move out of the area, may now be eligible again for benefits. Additional eligibility requirements may apply.

Further information regarding eligibility, how to enroll in the program and upcoming educational sessions in the expanded geographic areas will be forthcoming. Information will be posted at a later date.