What costs are NOT covered by the Federal Black Lung Program?

The Federal Black Lung Program was designed to cover medical costs specifically related to the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis (black lung disease). The list below includes some conditions for which the program does not cover expenses.

• Treatment of medical problems NOT related to your Black Lung condition—for example, arthritis, diabetes, and most heart conditions.
• Medical treatment for your spouse or other family members.
• Dental or eye care and X-rays other than chest X-rays.
• Nurse’s aide (non-skilled nursing care) services in the home.
• Home health aides.
• Medicine that you can buy without a doctor’s prescription.
• Medicine for problems other than your Black Lung condition.
• Personal services in the hospital, such as TV or telephone.
• Rental or purchase of an Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB) machine for home use.
• Travel to and from your drugstore.
• Residence costs (room and board) for nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities; and,
• Home medical equipment not authorized for coverage under the Federal Black Lung Program.