For thousands of Americans who helped power the nation’s energy industry, the work often came with unseen risks. Years of exposure to hazardous materials left lasting effects on their health. Many of these dedicated workers now face chronic illnesses like kidney disease, yet few realize that help is available. The Department of Labor’s White Card program was created to change that. It offers former energy employees and their families access to no-cost medical care for covered conditions, helping them finally receive the care and support they’ve earned.
What Is a White Card?
The White Card is a special insurance card issued to eligible individuals under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) — a federal initiative managed by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The card serves as proof of eligibility for medical benefits associated with illnesses that resulted from working in the nuclear weapons industry or related energy programs.
Often referred to as the DOL White Card or EEOICPA White Card, it enables qualified workers and, in some cases, their survivors to receive approved medical services at no cost. The card ensures that former nuclear energy workers can access specialized care without the burden of medical bills.
At its core, the White Card healthcare benefits program helps ensure that those who helped build the nation’s energy infrastructure can continue receiving vital care for conditions linked to their occupational exposure.
What Benefits Do White Card Holders Receive?
Card holders under the EEOICPA white card program receive no-cost medical benefits for approved conditions. This means that once eligibility is confirmed, the Department of Labor pays for covered treatments directly, without the patient needing to handle claims or billing.
Examples of covered services include:
- Regular physician visits and specialist consultations
- Diagnostic and laboratory testing
- Prescription medications
- Durable medical equipment
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Dialysis treatments, when medically indicated
Is Dialysis Covered Under the White Card?
Yes. Dialysis is fully covered under the White Card healthcare benefits program when it is linked to an approved condition under the EEOICPA. Many individuals who qualify for EEOICPA benefits experience health complications that affect their kidneys, often as a result of long-term exposure to radiation or chemicals during their years of service in the nuclear industry.
When dialysis care is needed, the Department of Labor White Card allows eligible patients to receive treatment at approved medical facilities with no out-of-pocket cost. The Department of Labor reimburses authorized providers directly, allowing patients to focus on their health and not worry about billing or paperwork.
White Card medical benefits cover more than dialysis treatments alone. They also include lab work, medications, and physician oversight needed for complete renal care. This ensures consistent, high-quality treatment for former nuclear energy workers who rely on regular dialysis treatments to maintain their health and independence.
How Innovative Renal Care Helps
At Innovative Renal Care (IRC), we work diligently to help patients navigate the EEOICPA White Card process smoothly. Our teams are trained in the specific requirements of the Department of Labor’s White Card program, ensuring that every step, from eligibility verification to claim processing, is handled with compassionate care.
Learn more about our ongoing commitment to deliver more tomorrows to our patients, their families, and friends.
