Will the Big Beautiful Bill save the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act?

What Is the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act?

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was passed in 1990 to provide financial compensation and acknowledgment to individuals who became ill as a result of the U.S. government’s nuclear weapons development and testing during the Cold War. The law covers:

1. 1. Uranium Worker States: RECA covers certain uranium industry employment between 1942 and 1971 in the states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. 
   2. Onsite Participants: RECA includes individuals who were present onsite during a test involving the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device.
   3. Downwinder Areas: RECA covers physical presence in certain counties located downwind from the Nevada Test Site in the states of Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

Read our blog: What is the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act? (RECA)

RECA was a groundbreaking step toward justice for those harmed by radiation exposure, but it came with limits. It only covers people in a few specific states and counties, excludes post-1971 uranium workers and caps compensation amounts. Worse still, RECA officially expired on June 10, 2024. A strong push to restore RECA nearly succeeded in early 2024, passing the Senate with bipartisan support but ultimately fell short in the House.

The new bill in Congress offers hope for RECA revival with expansion and inclusion

To address these shortcomings, a bipartisan effort is underway in Congress to pass what has been informally dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill" which is a nickname that reflects sweeping reforms including RECA. If passed, this legislation would:

• Add eligibility for RECA compensation for residents of affected areas in Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alaska who were exposed to contamination and developed cancers.
• Fully cover existing RECA-eligible “downwind” areas and on-site participants, such as military personnel. These areas currently include regions of Nevada, Utah and Arizona.
• Fully cover all existing RECA uranium mine workers.
• Add new “downwind” areas for claimants: the state of New Mexico, remaining counties in Utah plus Mohave County in Arizona.
• Increase benefit levels for atmospheric testing survivors to track inflation.
• Add new uranium mine workers who worked in mines from 1971-1990, add core drillers as an eligible worker, and expand eligible diseases.

   

Note: Trusted Ally Home Care does not offer an opinion for or against other aspects of this bill. We are only focused on RECA's restoration and expansion if passed and what form it will take.

Why the revival of RECA matters

For many families, RECA has been the only acknowledgment they’ve ever received from the U.S. government for the suffering caused by nuclear testing and uranium work. Yet, thousands of others have been excluded due to arbitrary deadlines, narrow definitions and geographic limitations.

Communities in New Mexico, for instance, where the first nuclear bomb was detonated at the Trinity Test Site were left out of the original law. Many Indigenous communities, especially Navajo Nation uranium workers and their descendants, continue to fight for full recognition.

What you can do

• Contact your elected officials to express your support for the expansion and reauthorization of RECA

• Share the stories of downwinders, uranium workers and affected families

This bill offers the chance to make RECA stronger, fairer, and more reflective of the full history of radiation exposure in America.

Does RECA cover healthcare costs?

RECA by itself provides lump sum compensation and does not cover healthcare costs. But in 2000, the federal government passed the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act or EEOICPA White Card Program, which covers payments for healthcare costs for approved illnesses. Individuals who qualify for RECA compensation are also entitled to EEOICPA benefits under Part B of the program.

Does RECA actually pay claims?

Yes, and as of July 2024, over $2.6 billion has been paid in total compensation.

We can help if RECA is restored

If this bill passes with RECA included, Trusted Ally can connect you with an Authorized Representative to help you in the qualification process and we'll be ready to provide superior home healthcare for approved conditions.