EEOICPA Benefits for Tennessee's Energy Workers
Clinch River Healthcare has helped Tennessee workers understand and access these benefits since the law was enacted. As the state’s first home healthcare provider and leader in providing in-home care to energy workers, we are uniquely positioned to advocate for those we serve.
What Is the EEOICPA?
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act EEOICPA is a federal program established by Congress in 2000 to support energy workers who developed illnesses due to job related exposures while supporting the nation’s nuclear weapons and energy programs. The program provides medical benefits and compensation for certain covered conditions, and in some cases includes additional compensation related to impairment or lost wages. Eligibility is based on work history, exposure, and medical documentation, and the program is administered by the Department of Labor.
Eligible individuals may receive coverage for medically necessary in-home care, prescription medications, medical equipment, and other supportive services that promote safe, independent living at home with dignity. At Clinch River Healthcare, our mission is to elevate your life through purposeful, whole-person, in home care delivered with unwavering compassion. We take the time to listen, provide clear guidance, and walk alongside you and your loved ones so you feel supported, informed, and cared for at every step. From navigating the EEOICPA White Card claims process to delivering consistent, high-quality care in the home, we are here with the knowledge, follow-through, and heart you can rely on.
How the EEOICPA Benefits You
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) provides comprehensive medical support to eligible energy workers who became ill due to job related exposures at Tennessee covered facilities. Qualified individuals receive ongoing care tied to their approved condition, along with financial compensation and coordinated support that improves access to care and helps reduce financial burden.
Covered medical benefits include in-home care, prescriptions, medical equipment, and care coordination that enable patients to live safely and independently at home. Additional compensation may be provided for impairment or wage loss, and eligible survivors can receive benefits when a loved one passes due to a covered illness, ensuring continued support for the family.
Covered Facilities in Tennessee
If you worked at any of the following facilities, you may qualify:
- Y-12 National Security Complex — Oak Ridge (uranium processing, beryllium operations)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) — formerly the X-10 site
- K-25 Site — Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)
- Other DOE contractor or subcontractor sites in East Tennessee
Workers at Y-12 were exposed to uranium, beryllium, and mercury—all covered under EEOICPA. ORNL workers handled radioactive materials and chemicals across decades of research. K-25 workers operated the nation’s largest uranium enrichment facility.
What Benefits are Available?
Once approved, your White Card authorizes fully covered in-home healthcare services—delivered by Clinch River Healthcare in your home, at no cost to you or your family. This includes:
- Skilled Nursing Care in the Home
- Ongoing Clinical Monitoring and Assessments
- Doctor visits and Hospital Care
- Care Coordination
- Dedicated Case Management and Benefits Advocacy
- Assistance Navigating Your Federal Benefits
- Support and Guidance for Family Caregivers
- Medical Equipment and Supplies to support, independent living
- Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, mobility)
- Meal Preparation and Nutritional Support
- Light Housekeeping Related to Care
- Prescription Medications
- Lab Testing, Imaging, and Travel Expenses
Covered Medical Services
Understanding EEOICPA Benefits
EEOICPA Part B Benefits
EEOICPA Part B provides compensation and medical benefits to eligible energy workers diagnosed with specific work-related illnesses, including certain cancers, chronic beryllium disease, beryllium sensitivity, and chronic silicosis.
Approved Part B benefits may include:
- Ongoing medical benefits related to the accepted illness, beginning from the date a claim is filed
- Medical services, which may include:
- In-home care, such as nursing support and help with daily activities
- Doctor visits and hospital care related to the accepted condition
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment and supplies you may need at home
- Care coordination to help manage treatment and ongoing needs
- One-time lump-sum compensation (currently $150,000) for eligible energy workers
- Survivor compensation if a covered energy worker passed away due to an accepted illness
EEOICPA Part E Benefits
EEOICPA Part E provides additional support for energy workers whose accepted illnesses resulted from exposure to toxic substances at covered facilities. These benefits are designed to address the long-term impact of illness on health, work, and quality of life.
Approved Part E benefits may include:
- Ongoing medical benefits for treatment related to the accepted condition
- Medical services, which may include:
-
- In-home care, such as nursing support and help with daily activities
- Doctor visits and hospital care related to the accepted condition
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment and supplies you may need at home
- Care coordination to help manage treatment and ongoing needs
-
- Additional financial compensation, which may include:
- Impairment compensation paid at $2,500 per percentage point of whole-person impairment, capped at $250,000, based on the severity and lasting impact of the accepted illness
- Wage-loss compensation if the illness affected the worker’s ability to earn income
- Survivor benefits, including compensation if a worker passed away due to a covered condition
Do I Qualify for EEOICPA Benefits?
-
A former DOE employee -
A contractor or subcontractor at a DOE facility -
A uranium miner, miller, or ore transporter -
A surviving spouse or child of someone who worked at a covered site
What Illnesses Are Covered?
Part B, EEOICPA Approved Medical Conditions
- EEOICPA Part B covers specific illnesses that have been linked to radiation or toxic exposure at covered facilities.
- Approved conditions under Part B include:
- Radiogenic cancers, including many types of cancer linked to radiation exposure
- Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD)
- Beryllium Sensitivity
- Chronic Silicosis
- Eligibility is based on covered employment, exposure history, and medical diagnosis.
Part E, EEOICPA Approved Medical Conditions
- EEOICPA Part E covers illnesses caused by toxic substance exposure at covered facilities and applies to a broader range of conditions than Part B.
- Approved conditions under Part E may include:
- Illnesses caused by exposure to toxic substances, such as:
- Chemicals
- Metals
- Solvents
- Radiation
- Illnesses caused by exposure to toxic substances, such as:
- Conditions that resulted in:
- Permanent impairment, or
- Wage loss due to the illness
Survivor Benefits
-
A spouse (married for at least one year) -
Eligible children (based on age, disability status, or education) -
Parents, grandchildren, or grandparents (depending on eligibility chain)
FAQ
How do I know if I may qualify for a EEOICPA White Card?
Eligibility depends on where and when you worked, your role, and whether you have a covered medical condition linked to workplace exposure. If you’re unsure, our team is here to help you understand the criteria and explore possible next steps with clarity and confidence.
Does it cost money to apply for an EEOICPA White Card?
No. There is no fee to apply by filing a claim for an EEOICPA White Card. The application process is handled by the Department of Labor, and applying does not require payment. If you have questions about the process, our team can help explain what to expect and where to begin.
What if my EEOCIPA claim is denied?
A denial does not always mean the end of the process. Claims may be denied for a variety of reasons, such as missing documentation or the need for additional information. In some situations, individuals may have the option to appeal the decision or submit additional evidence for further review through the Department of Labor.
If your claim has been denied, you are not alone. Our team can help explain common reasons for denial, share general information about the appeal process, and help you understand possible next steps—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Unwavering Compassion. Whole-Person Care. Welcome to the Family.
Navigating EEOICPA can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Clinch River Healthcare , we’ve helped thousands of former uranium and energy workers and their families access their rightful whole-person care and compensation.
Because after all you’ve done, you deserve dignity, respect, and purposeful care right where you belong—at home.