Healthcare support for 9/11 responders at risk

IAFF warns of World Trade Center Health Program shortfall

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has reported that the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) faces a funding gap that could restrict enrolment by 2028.

The IAFF explained that thousands of responders remain reliant on the programme, which was created under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010.

It stated that the fund is authorised to operate until 2090, but rising numbers of cancer and chronic illness cases are creating pressure.

The union said the programme risks cutting back services for existing patients by 2029 if no changes are made.

IAFF General President Edward Kelly said: “Our promise to ‘never forget’ is not only about remembering – it is about action.

“It is about guaranteeing that the thousands of fire fighters and first responders who answered the call at Ground Zero – and their families – continue to receive the care they need without question and without interruption.”

New legislation introduced to protect healthcare support

According to the IAFF, the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act (H.R. 1410) has been introduced in Congress.

The IAFF said the bill is led by Representatives Andrew Garbarino and Jerry Nadler, along with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

It noted that the measure is designed to update the WTCHP funding formula to account for future growth in enrolment and rising medical costs.

The IAFF explained that the legislation would allow the programme to continue providing healthcare support for those with Sept. 11-related illnesses.

The union added that it is working with New York’s Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) Local 94, the Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) Local 854, and IAFF 1st District Vice President James Slevin to press Congress to act.

Local unions highlight health impact on members

UFA President Andrew Ansbro said: “Thousands of Local 94 members rely on the program for their health care coverage, related to their illnesses and injuries on 9/11 and in the years that followed.

“We have, unfortunately, continued to lose around three members a month to WTC-related diseases.”

According to the IAFF, 409 FDNY members have died from Sept. 11-related illnesses since the 2001 attack.

Ansbro added: “I receive inhalers from the WTCHP. I’ve had multiple skin cancers treated by the program.

“My father was an NYPD police chief on 9/11 and he was there for the recovery effort as well. Two years ago, he passed away from WTC-related cancer.”

He continued: “My biggest worry is that as time goes on, people forget, even as the number of people in the World Trade Center Health Program keeps growing.

“These illnesses can take decades to appear, and now, 24 years later, we’re fighting harder than ever for resources. Every week, someone – fire fighter, police officer, EMS worker, or construction worker – is buried, and it rarely makes the news.”

National reach of the World Trade Center Health Program

According to the IAFF, the WTCHP covers not just New York-based responders but also those who travelled from across the United States to assist after Sept. 11.

The IAFF said enrollees are now spread across all 50 states and every congressional district.

IAFF 1st District Vice President James Slevin said: “The WTC Health Program is critical for the thousands of first responders already diagnosed with 9/11-related illnesses – and for all those who will be diagnosed in the years to come.

“Any delay or reduction in funding puts their lives at risk.

“We owe it to the fallen, and to all those who risked their lives to help New York recover, to protect this program and ensure it continues delivering care to those who need it most.”

Political challenges and federal agency cuts

The IAFF reported that earlier this year, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) proposed reductions to the programme.

It said IAFF leaders worked directly with senior administration officials and members of Congress to block those cuts.

The IAFF explained that the WTCHP has now been restored to nearly pre-DOGE levels, although it warned that challenges remain.

According to the IAFF, research grants have been paused and communication channels with Health and Human Services have been disrupted.

Ansbro said: “Lines of communication between Health and Human Services and the 9/11 community have been shut down. Research grants have been paused. We need those lines reopened and those research efforts restarted, especially for identifying emerging illnesses that may need to be added to the program.”

Rising diagnoses highlight long-term effects

According to the New York Post, 48,579 responders and others are now diagnosed with Sept. 11-related cancers.

The report said this represents a 143% increase over five years, attributed to the ageing of Ground Zero responders.

The IAFF has argued that the figures show the importance of sustained funding.

Kelly said: “Our nation made a promise after Sept. 11, and we intend to hold Congress accountable for keeping it.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The WTCHP demonstrates how long-term occupational exposure can create healthcare demands that last for decades.

Fire and safety professionals can observe how sustained advocacy is necessary to maintain medical coverage and recognition of exposure-related illnesses.

The funding shortfall illustrates the importance of aligning programme budgets with long-term projections for responder health.

This case also shows how legislative action directly influences healthcare access for fire service personnel and other emergency responders.

Healthcare support for 9/11 responders at risk: Summary

The IAFF has reported that the WTCHP faces a funding shortfall.

It said the programme could block new enrolment by 2028.

It added that services for existing patients could be cut by 2029.

The IAFF is pressing Congress to pass the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act.

The bill is led by Representatives Andrew Garbarino and Jerry Nadler and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

The IAFF said the measure would update the programme’s funding formula.

It explained that 409 FDNY members have died from Sept. 11-related illnesses.

The IAFF stated that the programme has enrollees in every US state and congressional district.

The union reported that the DOGE had previously proposed cuts.

It added that IAFF efforts helped restore funding to near previous levels.

Ansbro said that three Local 94 members a month are lost to related diseases.

The IAFF argued that rising cases show the need for secure funding.