Labor Department to Increase Scrutiny of Black Lung Benefits

Miners with black lung disease face hurdles in obtaining and using their medical benefits, a congressional watchdog report found.

The Labor Department plans to do more outreach with workers about the claims process after the Government Accountability Office concluded that some miners with black lung disease face years-long delays in getting claims resolved. Even after winning benefits miners can struggle to obtain coverage for medical treatment from coal operators responsible for paying their care.

The GAO also determined that the DOL doesn’t monitor coal operators’ provision of medical benefits to disabled miners.

The study, requested by Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.), ...