Can I File Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses with the VCF?

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides financial compensation to individuals suffering from certified 9/11-related health conditions. While many people are aware that the VCF offers compensation for lost income and benefits, and for pain and suffering, many may not realize that they may also be eligible to claim out-of-pocket medical expenses. If you've paid for medications, treatments, specialist visits, or assistive devices related to a certified 9/11 illness, you may be entitled to reimbursement. Here, we explore the types of expenses covered, the eligibility requirements for claiming these expenses, the documentation you’ll need, and how an experienced VCF lawyer can help you get the maximum award amount for your individual circumstances.

What Types of Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses Are Covered by the VCF?

The VCF may reimburse out-of-pocket medical costs directly related to a certified 9/11-related physical health condition. This includes expenses that were incurred as a result of your eligible condition, were not covered by insurance or other sources, and were not previously reimbursed.

Covered out-of-pocket expenses may include the following:

• Co-pays and deductibles for doctor visits, procedures, and hospital stays
• Prescription medication costs
• Durable medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, oxygen tanks)
• Transportation to and from medical appointments (when necessary and documented)
• Home health care and nursing support
• Special accommodations, such as stair lifts or hospital beds
  
  

The VCF does not cover general wellness visits, mental health care (unless tied directly to a certified physical condition), or cosmetic procedures. Expenses must be directly related to the 9/11-certified condition to qualify.

Who Is Eligible to Claim These Expenses?

To be eligible to claim out-of-pocket medical expenses through the Victim Compensation Fund, you must meet the following criteria:

• Provide proof of presence in the Exposure Zone in the aftermath of 9/11
• Have a 9/11-related physical condition certified by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)
• Register with the VCF and file a claim by the applicable deadline
• Your qualifying medical expenses were paid by you and were not reimbursed by another source (such as private insurance or Medicare)
  
  

Family members may also submit claims for out-of-pocket medical expenses on behalf of deceased victims, as part of a wrongful death claim.

The Process of Claiming 9/11 Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses with the VCF

If you are including out-of-pocket medical expenses in your initial claim submission, you can add those expenses as part of your supporting documentation. If you have already submitted a claim and later incur reimbursable medical costs, you can file an amendment to your original claim. 

Amendments can be submitted if:

• You’ve had a new expense related to your certified condition
• You’ve received new documentation or evidence of costs
• Your condition has worsened and resulted in additional expenses
  
  

Once the amendment is submitted, the VCF will place your claim into “substantive review,” meaning your documentation will be reviewed in detail before a final decision is made.

What You Need to File Out-of-Pocket Medical Costs with the VCF

To successfully claim out-of-pocket medical expenses, you must provide detailed, itemized documentation. This typically includes:

• Receipts or invoices showing the service or item purchased, the date, and the amount paid
• Proof of payment such as credit card statements, bank statements, or canceled checks
• Letters from your doctor confirming that the expense is medically necessary and related to your certified condition
• Insurance explanation of benefits (EOB) forms, showing which costs were covered and which were not
• A detailed expense log, organized chronologically and summarizing all costs you are claiming
  
  

Accurate and complete documentation increases your chances of reimbursement. Without adequate proof, the VCF will not process your out-of-pocket claims.

How Long Does Reimbursement Take?

Reimbursement timelines can vary based on the complexity of your claim, the volume of documentation submitted, and whether your expenses are part of your initial claim or an amendment. Currently, the VCF takes approximately 12 to 18 months to issue a determination for most claims. Amendments may take additional time. If your documentation is missing or incomplete, your claim could be delayed or denied.

An Experienced VCF Lawyer Can Help

Filing a VCF claim for out-of-pocket medical expenses can be overwhelming, especially when you're also managing a serious illness. Working with an experienced VCF lawyer ensures that your documentation is complete, your eligibility is clear, and you receive the maximum award, while avoiding delays.

A VCF attorney can:

• Review your medical records and receipts to confirm what qualifies
• Organize and submit your documents in a way that meets VCF requirements
• File your claim or amendment correctly and on time
• Follow up on your behalf and monitor the progress of your claim 
• Appeal a denial, if necessary
  
  

With the dedicated attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP,  you can focus on your health while we focus on getting you the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve paid for doctor visits, prescriptions, or other treatments related to your 9/11-certified condition, don’t assume those costs must come out of your pocket. The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund was created to support individuals affected by the attacks, and covering medical expenses is a part of that support. Contact an experienced 9/11 VCF attorney at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP today to review your case. You may be entitled to more than you think, and getting reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses could help ease the financial burden of your health journey.