Radiation Exposure Compensation Gets a Major Expansion: New Bill Covers More Victims, Increases Payouts

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act is making some big changes, and if you or someone you know lived near certain areas or worked in uranium mining, you'll want to pay attention. This bill, in a nutshell, significantly expands who qualifies for compensation related to radiation exposure and boosts the payout amounts. It's all about addressing the lingering health impacts from Manhattan Project waste, nuclear testing, and uranium mining. The changes are set to be rolled out over the next few years, with some key deadlines already on the calendar.

Manhattan Project Waste: New Coverage and Compensation

This section of the bill, called the "Radiation Exposure Compensation Expansion Act," focuses on people affected by Manhattan Project waste. If you lived in specific ZIP codes in Missouri, Tennessee, Alaska, or Kentucky for at least two years after January 1, 1949, and later developed a specified disease (like certain cancers or leukemia), you could be eligible for compensation. (Sec. 102). For example, a resident of the 63135 ZIP code in Missouri who lived there from 1950-1955 and was later diagnosed with thyroid cancer could now file a claim. The bill lays out the compensation: $50,000 for living individuals, plus coverage for out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the specified disease. For deceased individuals, surviving spouses can receive $25,000, and if there's no spouse, surviving children split that amount. (Sec. 102). The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to set up a cooperative agreement by September 30, 2025, to improve monitoring and workforce development at the Amchitka, Alaska site, specifically focusing on involving local Indigenous communities. (Sec. 103).

Downwinders and Uranium Workers: Expanded Eligibility

The "Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2025" significantly broadens who can claim compensation. For those downwind of nuclear testing (like the Trinity Test in New Mexico and tests in Nevada), the residency requirement in affected areas is now just one year between specific dates in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, and the payout is increased to $100,000. (Sec. 204). Affected areas now explicitly include all of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Guam. (Sec. 204). Think of a family who lived in St. George, Utah for all of 1955 – they could now be eligible, whereas before they needed two years of residency. Uranium workers, including miners, millers, core drillers, and ore transporters, also get expanded coverage. Core drillers who worked between 1971 and 1990 are now included, and the list of covered illnesses for miners, millers, and ore transporters now includes renal cancer and other chronic kidney diseases. (Sec. 205). The bill also extends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Fund for six years. (Sec. 203).

Making Claims Easier (and What to Watch Out For)

One significant change is the expanded use of affidavits. Now, written affidavits can be used as evidence to prove employment history (for uranium workers) and physical presence in affected areas. (Sec. 206). This could streamline the process, but it also introduces a potential vulnerability: relying on affidavits, while helpful, could open the door to fraudulent claims. The bill extends the claim filing period to five years. (Sec. 207). If you were previously denied, you can resubmit up to three times. If you were previously compensated, you can apply for additional compensation and medical benefits to match the new, higher amounts. (Sec. 207). The bill also sets up a grant program to study the long-term health effects of uranium mining and milling on families and communities. (Sec. 208). Finally, it requires a GAO study on providing medical benefits coverage for those exposed to radiation during U.S. nuclear tests. (Sec. 210). It also expands eligibility of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program. (Sec. 209).