A nation that treats coal as gold

    I want to take a slightly different angle on the healthcare system and talk about how the government has stepped in to help protect and support a specific at risk population in the US: the coal miner. Coal workers are at risk of developing Black Lung Disease. Yes, the lungs literally turn black, for which there is no cure. Black Lung Disease, also called Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis, causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs, decreasing function, and if symptoms are severe enough, supplemental oxygenation and lung transplant may be required. Workers spend years underground in the worst conditions yet the government still deems them worthy of care.

    To prevent this disease, you must avoid coal dust. However, the United States relies heavily on coal. Therefore, currently it is not a viable option to no longer have coal mines. To protect workers, the federal government has implemented several regulations. In 1969, the federal government implemented regulations called the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. In 1978, the Mine Safety and Health Administration was created to enforce these regulations. In 2006, the government revised the law and created incentives and pathways for increasing safety and rescue operations for mines.

    Currently, there are several programs implemented to help protect coal miners. One program is run by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The program offers free chest X-rays, breathing tests, blood pressure checks, and health screenings to ensure patients are aware of their lung function. This service is provided by a mobile screening unit that travels around the country. The Department of Labor also pays compensation and medical bills for patients who are totally disabled by black lung pneumoconiosis. A study found that patients with this diagnosis utilize healthcare more and are an increased financial burden when compared to other Medicaid patients. I am not saying that coal workers don’t deserve treatment; rather, they are offered benefits that support their healthcare. The HHS also provides free autopsies for workers as well as funding for research. I think it is impressive that the United States reaches out and supports its citizens.

…This blog is in no way bashing coal workers, and in no way am I saying that people who are exposed to coal dust or have BLD don’t deserve treatment. I am simply pointing out that there is a population in the United States that has numerous preventative and proactive health services and screenings, has financial assistance with healthcare, even though they are shown to have an increased financial burden on the healthcare system. Still, the government has decided to provide care for this group to make sure that they receive treatment. Then why does our system force others to choose between death by diabetes or death by heart failure.

 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7685175/

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/cwhsp/about/index.html

https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/black-lung/treating-and-managing

https://www.msha.gov/regulations

https://www.msha.gov/protecting-miners

https://arlweb.msha.gov/solicitor/coalact/69act.htm

https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/senate-bill/2803

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/cwhsp/screenings/index.html

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dcmwc

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