A Major Step Forward: Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Expand Health Care Access for Former Atomic Workers

At Nuclear Care Partners, we’re proud to stand alongside lawmakers, advocates, and industry peers in support of a long-overdue legislative update that could transform health care access for the heroes who powered our nation during the Cold War.

Breaking Barriers in Care: The Health Care for Energy Workers Act

Jenna Noem, Co-Founder and CEO sitting with Nuclear Care Partners Patients

On June 25, 2025, Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the Health Care for Energy Workers Act in the U.S. Senate—a bipartisan effort aimed at modernizing the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). Representatives Rick Allen (R-GA) and Lucy McBath (D-GA) simultaneously introduced the bill in the House.

This crucial legislation addresses a long-standing barrier: under current law, only physicians (MDs and DOs) can authorize care for patients under EEOICPA. That restriction has created care delays and inequities—especially for those living in rural communities. The new bill proposes to allow nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) to also authorize care, bringing the EEOICPA program in line with modern health systems like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“Our nation’s former atomic workers made profound sacrifices to keep our country safe,” said Jenna Noem, Founder and CEO of Nuclear Care Partners. “They should never face barriers to the care and compensation they have earned. This legislation is a critical step toward ensuring they receive timely, high-quality support without delay.”

EEOICPA at 25: Time for a Modern Update

Enacted in 2000, EEOICPA was designed to provide compensation and medical benefits to former Department of Energy workers and contractors suffering from illnesses linked to toxic workplace exposures. With more than 600,000 eligible workers across 300+ sites nationwide, the program has been instrumental—but it’s in need of reform.

As EEOICPA reaches its 25th anniversary, there’s never been a more fitting moment to modernize the program to reflect today’s clinical standards.

“There is no better time than now, during this 25th anniversary year, to finally align this program with today’s standards,” said Noem.

Advocacy in Action: NCP’s Role in Driving Change

Nuclear Care Partners has long been a vocal advocate for EEOICPA reform. In fact, our advocacy began six years ago, driven by the needs of our patients and their families. This year, we took that commitment a step further by helping form an industry-wide coalition—bringing together competitors in a united front to push for policy change.

“United Energy Workers Healthcare is joining this coalition to improve access for this deserving population who sacrificed their health for our country,” said Rick Brajer, CEO of United Energy Workers Healthcare.