Our Services
- Annual Medical Monitoring Exam
- Treatment Services
- Mental Health Services
- Pharmacy Benefits
- Cancer Screenings
- Smoking Cessation Program
- Mindfulness Program
- Benefits Counseling
Annual Medical Monitoring Exam
The purpose of the monitoring exam is to monitor your health, regardless of whether or not you are sick. This is an annual comprehensive two to three hour exam that targets any conditions potentially related to your World Trade Center (WTC) exposures. Every time you complete an annual medical monitoring exam, we become better able to predict, diagnose, and treat health problems experienced by many 9/11 responders across the country. These examinations are invaluable in the early detection of changes to your health, allowing us to devise the best course of treatment. There are no co-pays or deductibles, and no insurance is required once enrolled with the WTC Health Program.
This comprehensive exam includes:
- Medical History
- Breathing test to evaluate your lung function
- Blood and urine tests
- Complete physical exam
- Chest x-rays (every 2 years)
- Breast, Cervical, Colon and Lung Cancer Screenings (available to eligible responders)
- Mental Health Evaluation
- Benefits Counseling
Treatment Services
The WTC Health Program covers certified WTC- related conditions at no cost to the patient. A list of covered conditions can be found on the Centers for Disease Control’s website. New conditions may be added to this list if research reveals they may be related to exposures from the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Treatment services and annual medical monitoring services are different. During a treatment exam, you will meet with a specialist regarding your specific WTC-related condition. Your annual medical monitoring exam will give you a picture of your overall health.
A certified condition is a medical condition that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has approved as being related to 9/11 exposure. Once your condition is certified, you are entitled to free pharmacy and treatment benefits for that condition.
The following steps must be completed in order for your condition to be certified:
- Your WTC Provider reviews your medical records
- Your WTC provider identifies a condition he/she believes to be related to 9/11 exposure (this condition must be on the WTC Health Program’s List of 9/11 Related Conditions).
- The Provider submits your record to NIOSH and NIOSH makes the final determination whether or not your condition will be certified.
Mental Health Services
Exposure to the events of September 11, 2001 and its aftermath has had a lasting emotional impact on many rescue, recovery and cleanup workers. Many WTC responders have experienced a broad range of reactions that have affected their relationships, behavior and overall quality of life. To help address these kinds of changes, the WTC Health Program offers free confidential mental health services to those who have suffered both short and long-term emotional difficulties because of their response effort to 9/11. Learn More
Pharmacy Benefits
If you have been certified for a WTC-related health condition, your provider or Program-affiliated specialist will prescribe medication for you from a list of drugs approved to treat certified WTC-related health conditions. There are no out of pocket costs for you. However, your Provider may not be able to refill the prescription, unless you are up to date with your appointment.
Cancer Screenings
Breast, cervical, colon and lung cancer screenings are available at no cost to eligible responders. Talk to your provider to learn about the benefits of getting screening and eligibility criteria.
Smoking Cessation Program
You don’t have to depend on willpower alone to quit smoking. We are here to help you start on a new, smoke-free path today.
Stress Management / Mindfulness Program
Stress has been linked to cardiovascular as well as other chronic diseases. Stress management practices can positively impact an individual’s emotional and physical health.
Benefits Counseling
Navigating complex public benefits, social services, and compensation systems can be a stressful experience. As a responder, WTC Health Program members may be eligible for benefits through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), Worker’s Compensation, Line of Duty Injury (LODI), Social Security Disability Insurance or WTC disability pension for public sector workers. WTC Program social workers provide free and confidential benefits counseling and can assist in assessing eligibility for benefits, provide support in applying for benefits, or refer you to external experts in specific systems as appropriate.