Lawmakers Propose Essential Worker COVID-19 Fund

A group of lawmakers have proposed the Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act which would establish a coronavirus compensation fund for essential workers.

The bipartisan group behind the act includes several representatives from New York and Illinois, along with union representatives from the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, Uniformed Firefighters Association, National Rural Letter Carriers Association, and SMART, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.

According to these lawmakers and advocates, the proposed Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act would provide assistance for Americans whose jobs have been deemed “essential” and who became infected with the coronavirus as a result of going to work.

“While we have to do much more to protect these men and women as they take on greater risks during this pandemic, we also need to recognize the sad reality that our nation has a responsibility to take care of the loved ones of those essential workers who perish as a result of their decision to go back to work to help others,” Illinois Representative Tammy Duckworth said in a statement.

A variety of industries have been deemed essential by the federal and state governments, including healthcare workers, first responders, grocery workers and other employees whose jobs help keep people safe and society running. Unfortunately, these workers are exposing themselves to a high risk of contracting the coronavirus, simply by doing their job.

“Right now, workers all over this country are putting their lives on the line to help their sick neighbors, keep people fed, and keep our essential services running. Just as they are here for us, we need to be there for them if they get sick,” New York Representative Jerry Nadler said, according to USA Today.

The compensation fund proposed by the lawmakers would reportedly be modeled after the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund – an ongoing program which provides assistance and compensation for individuals who were injured by the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

New York Representative Carolyn Maloney, who worked last year to push for permanent funding for the 9/11 Victims Fund, says that essential workers deserve the same respect and assistance for their work during the pandemic.

“On September 11th, it was the firefighters and officers who ran into the burning buildings to save lives. Today, it is hospital workers—nurses, doctors, EMS, janitorial staff, pharmacists, technicians and all essential workers. We owe them more than applause at 7 p.m.,” Maloney said in a media statement according the Insurance Journal.

Under the proposed compensation fund, both essential workers and their family members would receive benefits to cover the healthcare costs associated with a coronavirus infection. These benefits would reportedly kick in after essential workers and their families exhausted all other health insurance options available to them.

According to the terms of the proposed bill, funds would be available for five years. Similar to the 9/11 fund, a special master from the Department of Justice would be appointed to run the fund and assist in the application process. This special master would be responsible for deciding when to close the fund – with the compensation program closing one fiscal year following the special master’s decision to stop accepting claims.

“America will be forever indebted to the first responders and essential workers who put their lives on the line throughout this pandemic,” said New York Representative Peter King. “It is morally essential that Congress pass the Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act for these heroes and their families.”

The bill has been proposed as the global medical community starts to track the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 virus.

For some patients who have recovered from the virus, symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue and body pain have continued for months after being initially infected.

Studies done in Hong Kong and China reportedly show that recovered patients may suffer from reduced lung, heart or liver function.

Other aspects of recovery from the coronavirus pandemic are being considered during this time. The insurance industry is reportedly promoting the idea of a federally backed insurance plan which would provide assistance to businesses who are damaged by a future pandemic.

Many businesses and insurance companies were unprepared for the significant impact associated with the global pandemic. A future, federally supported program would help support both business owners and insurance companies in the case of another crisis.

The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to a variety of legal issues. These issues include employment disputes, insurance claim denials and more. In order to help consumers stay informed during this time of uncertainty, Top Class Actions has compiled a coronavirus legal guide.

What do you think of the proposed coronavirus compensation fund? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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