WTC hero wins health coverage

[DoYouEverWonder]

Dec 22, 2006



Crippled 9/11 hero Vito Valenti's lungs were terminally scarred at Ground Zero, but the injury couldn't stop him from seeing justice finally done this week.

For months, the volunteer who was among the first into the World Trade Center's toxic cloud has been relying on the generosity of strangers for vital medicine and oxygen he couldn't afford.

On Wednesday, he heard a judge order his health costs covered - putting an end to the wearying legal battle.

"I felt the pressure lift right off my chest," he said yesterday. "It was like somebody had lifted 1,000 pounds off me."

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/482418p-405909c.html


After all these rescue workers have done, why do they have to go throught his crap in order to get taken care of?

[annabanana]

1. "Wins" health coverage? . ."WINS" health coverage?

Like it's a fuckin' lottery? He should have been showered with coverage..smothered with coverage from day one.

That he had to fight for his healthcare is shameful.

[KT2000]

4. The commission set up

to determine coverage and compensation of 9/11 workers who have become ill have paid ZERO to the workers.
The executive in charge makes $350,000 a year and the consultants who testify against the injured workers make huge bucks too.

Please remember this: Injuries and illnesses that can be linked to toxic exposures are rarely covered or compensated. Huge corporations do not want the precedent set so every case is fought tooth and nail - years in court trying to wear the person down, hoping they will die first.
This is a fact for everyone injured by toxic exposures. Veterans, workers, children - you name it.

[WindRavenX]

5. You said it

:(

[cyclezealot]

2. we live overseas for now.

in most of the world health care is taken for granted. It's a nice, secure feeling.

[Vinca]

3. The same thing happens to soldiers returning from Iraq.

You see the rehab photo ops, but many end up waiting months for appointments and live hours from facilities. As the overseas poster said, health care should be something we take for granted. You shouldn't need to beg for handouts to buy oxygen whether you're a hero or a sickly grandma.

[Lisa]

6. I wonder how much extra stress those legal battles put on his health?

Those companies (and those in the government who have been sneakily cutting medical support) should be ashamed of themselves.

[cyclezealot]

7. those monthly statements , 'this may not be bill.'

what an american invention. ONly in America. Just what a sick person need worry about. And wonder why Americans are so up tight.

[Lisa]

9. I would not be surprised if people get ulcers or worse

... just worrying about medical bills. I recently collaborated on a book chapter with a medical researcher, and we found that there is plenty of evidence that being mistreated by big business or government agencies can create health complications. There's another guy at UBC, Michael Hayes, who calls this "the stress of disrespect", and he believes it can affect immune response, if people are subjected to it on an ongoing basis (via the hormones etc. which the body pumps out when one is upset, scared, or frustrated).

[cyclezealot]

10. with the quantity of hormones in our food.

maybe the government just does not care. Maybe it's cheaper on them , if we are dead.

[Danmel]

8. IMPORTANT deadline LOOMS for 9/11 rescuers

Those who were at the scene involved in rescue and recovery at the WTC site which is defined as essentially Canal Street south, river to river, who worked at emergency morgues, the Fresh Kills landfill from 9/11/01 to 9/12/02 MUST file for workers compensation benefits by AUGUST 14, 2007 for any FUTURE illness or be barred FOREVER. This applies to paid workers (non-federal0 and volunteers.

This also applies to those already receiving compensation for 9-11 related injury. SO if you get benefits for a broken arm or spinal injury, you still must register for benefits fr any potential future illness, even if you are not presently ill.

Those affected can go to www.nycosh.org to get the forms they need to file. This is critical information. Many workers who are getting comp benefits may mistakenly think they are covered if they develop cancer or other illnesses from exposure to the toxic ar at the WTC site. THey are not. If you know anyone so affected, let them know about this important deadline.

[fujiyama]

11. Is this the legacy

of 9/11 and how this country treats its heroes?

No person in this nation should be without health care, let alone someone that rushed in to help people after 9/11.