Health Bill Extends Coverage to Libby Asbestos Victims
In June, the Environmental Protection Agency declared a public health emergency for Libby, Montana. For decades, Libby was the center of one of the largest asbestos mines. Because the illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos do not develop until 20 – 50 years after initial exposures, it has only been recently that the town was declared a Superfund site and the damage done to human and environmental health clearly demonstrated. Hundreds of people in the area have died of mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases, higher than in most other parts of the country.
Recently, the Senate Democrats have proposed a bill to extend Medicare coverage to those affected by environmental health hazards, such as workers and residents in Libby who have been exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral found in the earth and mined in different parts of the world. Asbestos was once added to many industrial and construction products because of its high insulating and fireproofing properties. There was evidence early on that the mineral was highly toxic and presented a risk to human health, yet it was not until the mid 1980’s that government agencies began regulating the use, removal and disposal of asbestos.
Mesothelioma is an incurable form of cancer directly linked to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma can develop in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. Symptoms of mesothelioma are very difficult to diagnose, so often the cancer isn’t discovered until it has reached advanced stages. Prognosis at time of diagnosis is usually quite poor, with a median survival time of less than a year.
Residents in Libby Montana have a higher rate of illness related to exposure to asbestos, and government officials, particularly Democrat Senator Max Baucas, have been lobbying to get extended coverage and health care benefits to affected patients.
A vote is expected to occur on Christmas Eve, with likely passage of the bill despite Republican resistance.
