List of Covered Conditions

 

The following is the list of conditions that the WTC Health Program is certified to treat at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. The Program also covers medically associated conditions, which are conditions that result from the treatment or progression of a certified condition. 9/11 Survivors with any of the following conditions, especially if they believe them to be WTC-related, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Covered conditions must be certified through the Program and treated through a Program-affiliated provider. (Certification is an official decision by the Program that your condition is related to your 9/11 exposure and meets Program certification policies and criteria.)

Acute Traumatic Injuries

Acute traumatic injuries are characterized by physical damage to your body caused by hazards or adverse conditions. Examples include:

  • Burn

  • Complex sprain

  • Eye injury

  • Fracture

  • Head trauma

  • Tendon tear

Airway and Digestive Disorders

Airway and digestive disorders, also known as Aerodigestive Disorders, are a group of disorders that affect breathing airways, such as your sinuses or lungs, or upper digestive tract, such as your esophagus. Examples include:

  • Asthma

  • Chronic cough syndrome

  • Chronic laryngitis

  • Chronic nasopharyngitis

  • Chronic respiratory disorder- fumes and vapors

  • Chronic rhinosinusitis

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)

  • Interstitial lung disease

  • New-onset, and WTC-exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS)

  • Sleep apnea (medically associated to another airway or digestive disorder)

  • Upper airways hyperreactivity

Cancers

Cancer may be defined as the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells. It may occur at any place in the body, and it makes it difficult for the body to function normally. Examples include:

  • Blood and lymphoid tissue (including lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia)

  • Breast

  • Childhood cancers

  • Digestive system (including colon and rectum)

  • Eye and orbit

  • Ovary

  • Head and neck (oropharynx and tonsil)

  • Prostate

  • Mesothelioma

  • Rare cancers (read a statement from the Administrator about Rare Cancers for more information)

  • Respiratory system (including lung and bronchus)

  • Skin (melanoma, non-melanoma and carcinoma in situ)

  • Soft and connective tissue

  • Thyroid

  • Urinary system (including kidney and bladder)

  • Uterine cancer, including endometrial cancer (learn more about this new addition and what it means)

Mental Health Conditions

Mental health conditions include a wide range of conditions that affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. Examples include:

  • Acute stress disorder

  • Adjustment disorder

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Depression

  • Dysthymic disorder

  • Generalized anxiety disorder

  • Major depressive disorder

  • Panic disorder

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Substance use disorder

Musculoskeletal Disorders (applies to WTC Responders only)

Musculoskeletal disorders are chronic or recurring disorder of the musculoskeletal system caused by heavy lifting or repetitive strain on the joints. Examples include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

  • Low back pain

  • Other musculoskeletal disorders

Maximum Time Interval and Cancer Latency Period

To be certified for some airway and digestive health conditions, your condition must meet an additional requirement known as maximum time interval. Maximum time intervals are the maximum amount of time that could have gone by between the date of your last 9/11 exposure and the onset of symptoms of your airway and digestive health condition. Specific requirements are included in the Member Handbook in the Maximum Time Intervals for Aerodigestive Disorders section.

To be certified for cancer, minimum cancer latency requirements must be met. Latency is the amount of time that has passed between your initial 9/11 exposures and the date you were first diagnosed with cancer. Specific requirements are included in the Member Handbook in the Cancer Latency section.