Get Straightforward Answers on Coverage and Care for Atomic Workers
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about your EEOICPA benefits or in-home health care?
Explore our health care FAQs for clear answers about eligibility, white card use, covered services, and more.
Why Nuclear Care Partners?
Nuclear Care Partners delivers no-cost, customized in-home health care to former Department of Energy and Atomic Workers impacted by toxic workplace exposure, helping them live healthier, more independent lives at home. We integrate expert clinical care, innovative health programs, and relentless benefits advocacy all under one roof—empowering atomic heroes to access and maximize their compensation benefits under the EEOICPA and RECA.
Do I have to pay for services from Nuclear Care Partners?
No. In-home care for approved conditions is fully covered through your White Card, with no out-of-pocket costs. We make sure you get the care you’ve earned at no cost to you.
How do I know if in-home care is right for me?
In-home care may be right for you if you want to stay in your home but need support with daily living, household tasks, health needs, or chronic condition management. Nuclear Care Partners customizes your care plan with you and your doctor to help you reach your health goals.
What is EEOICPA?
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) was signed into law in 2000. It provides up to $400,000 in financial compensation and no-cost medical benefits to former DOE and atomic workers who developed illnesses due to toxic workplace exposure.
Do I Qualify for EEOICPA Benefits?
To qualify, you must have worked for the Department of Energy (DOE), a DOE contractor or subcontractor, or at an approved atomic weapons facility, and have a diagnosis linked to workplace exposure. Nuclear Care Partners helps you understand your eligibility and guides you to access the compensation and care you deserve.
What job titles are covered under EEOICPA?
Eligibility is based on where you worked and the type of exposure, not just your job title. Many roles qualify, from miners and welders to engineers and scientists. Nuclear Care Partners helps you confirm eligibility and claim your benefits.
What conditions are covered under EEOICPA?
EEOICPA covers many conditions caused by toxic workplace exposure, including cancers, beryllium disease, kidney disease, COPD, asbestosis, silicosis, and other respiratory, renal, and occupational illnesses. Our clinicians specialize in managing these complex conditions with tailored in-home care and specialized programs like Care+ Kidney and Care+ Lungs.
What illnesses are most common amongst former nuclear weapons workers?
The most common illnesses include lung disease, COPD, asbestosis, silicosis, kidney disease, and cancers related to radiation and toxic exposure. Nuclear Care Partners has developed specialized programs to care for these conditions in the comfort of your home.
What medical benefits are covered under EEOICPA?
If approved, your White Card provides no-cost medical care for your covered illness(es). Benefits may include skilled in-home nursing care, doctor visits, prescription drugs, medical equipment, transportation, home modifications and more. Nuclear Care Partners is an accredited DOL-provider, delivering specialized in-home care at no cost to qualifying patients.
How do I get a White Card?
You must file a claim with work history and medical documentation. The Department of Labor (EEOICPA) or Department of Justice (RECA) reviews your case, and if approved, you’ll receive compensation and a White Card. Nuclear Care Partners helps you determine eligibility and guides you through every step of the process.
Will Nuclear Care Partners help me file a claim?
At Nuclear Care Partners, we’re EEOICPA experts. We’ll walk alongside you through every step of the claims process – from connecting you with a trusted Authorized Representative to helping you gather required medical records and work history, we make filing less overwhelming and ensure your claim has the strongest chance of approval.
How long does it take to file a claim?
Timelines vary depending on documentation and case complexity. Some claims are processed in a few months, while others take longer. Our team helps streamline the process and minimize delays by ensuring your paperwork is complete.
What do I do if my claim is denied?
You have the right to appeal. Many denials result from incomplete or missing documentation. Nuclear Care Partners works with trusted Authorized Representatives to strengthen your case, gather additional evidence, and refile your claim successfully.
What is an Authorized Representative (AR)?
An Authorized Representative (AR) is someone you legally appoint to handle your EEOICPA claim with the Department of Labor. While Nuclear Care Partners is not an AR, we can connect you with trusted experts and support you through the process. We work in partnership with ARs to ensure your claim has the best chance of success.
When is it time for an Impairment Review?
An Impairment Review is appropriate once you’ve been approved for your EEOICPA claim and your work-related illness has stabilized. This medical evaluation determines the level of permanent impairment caused by your condition, which directly impacts the compensation you may receive. If your condition worsens over time, you may qualify for a new Impairment Review to reflect your current health status. Our team can help you recognize the right time to pursue an Impairment Review and connect you with providers who specialize in these evaluations.
Can I switch from my current provider to Nuclear Care Partners?
Yes, and many people do. If you already have a White Card, you can choose to transfer your care to Nuclear Care Partners at any time. We handle the transition quickly and seamlessly so you can focus on your health.
What is RECA?
Do I Qualify for RECA Benefits?
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) provides benefits to uranium miners, millers, ore transporters, and “downwinders” exposed to radiation from nuclear testing. Eligibility depends on job role, work site, years of employment, or where you lived. Nuclear Care Partners helps determine your eligibility and guides you through the claims process so you can access the compensation and care you deserve.
What changes were made to RECA with the 2025 expansion?
The 2025 expansion of RECA broadened eligibility to include more uranium workers and downwinders, extended filing deadlines, and increased compensation in some cases. Nuclear Care Partners helps you understand how these changes affect your eligibility and guides you through the claims process so you can access the compensation and care you deserve.
I am a caregiver. Am I entitled to benefits?
To become a paid caregiver under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA), the individual receiving care must have a qualifying illness and a Department of Labor White Card, and a medical professional must confirm in-home care is medically necessary and outline the care plan. The caregiver, who must be willing to provide hands-on care for daily activities like bathing and meal prep, needs to document their time and follow the established plan.
Care+ Kidney FAQs
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about our new Care+ Kidney program — the first comprehensive, in-home kidney care program designed for former atomic workers.
Why was Care+ Kidney developed?
The Care+ Kidney program was developed to fill a critical gap in care for former atomic workers suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), conditions often linked to toxic exposures during their service in the nuclear weapons industry.
Traditional kidney care models don’t always meet the unique needs of this aging, medically complex population. These patients often face limited mobility, multiple comorbidities, and barriers to accessing consistent, high-quality care.
Recognizing these challenges, Nuclear Care Partners designed Care+ Kidney to deliver:
- Comprehensive, personalized kidney care in the home
- Early intervention and disease management
- In-home dialysis when needed
- Holistic care that improves quality of life and supports positive outcomes
How does toxic exposure affect kidney health?
Toxic exposure to heavy metals, asbestos, and solvents was common among former DOE and atomic workers. These exposures are clinically linked to long-term kidney damage. Thousands of former atomic workers now live with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Who qualifies for Care+ Kidney?
This program is for former Department of Energy and atomic workers who:
- Have an EEOICPA White Card from the Department of Labor (or may qualify for one)
- Have chronic kidney disease (CKD or ESRD) caused by toxic exposure
- Worked at the U.S. Department of Energy or nuclear weapons facilities
If you don’t have a DOL White Card yet, we can help you qualify and apply for one.
If you already have a DOL White Card, we can help you determine eligibility and advocate for benefits.
What makes Care+ Kidney different?
Care+ Kidney is the only comprehensive, in-home kidney care program designed specifically for former atomic workers that is covered at no-cost for eligible patients under the EEOICPA. It combines evidence-based protocols, personalized care, and trusted clinical oversight — all delivered at home by compassionate, skilled nurses who understand your unique health challenges.
What are the benefits of the Care+ Kidney program?
Care+ Kidney is designed to slow disease progression, reduce hospitalizations and improve quality of life. Eligible patients receive no-cost, full-spectrum kidney care at home, with support personalized to their unique condition, symptoms, and daily needs as follows:
- In-home dialysis and kidney care
- Up to 24/7 nursing support
- Better symptom management and fewer hospital visits
- Personalized care plans
- Medication guidance and oversight
- Care that changes as your needs change
- Full DOL benefits advocacy
- No-cost coverage under EEOICPA
How does the program work with my nephrologist?
We don’t replace your care team, we extend it.
Our nurses communicate directly with your nephrologist, help monitor your symptoms at home, reinforce your care plan, and alert your doctor to any changes. It’s truly a team effort to keep you healthy at home.
Is this program free?
Care+ Kidney is covered under the Department of Labor’s EEOICPA benefits for eligible patients. If you qualify, you are entitled to in-home nursing care, in-home dialysis, DME and transportation at no cost to you.
Why should nephrologists care about this program?
Because it helps your patients thrive. Care+ Kidney supports physicians with in-home nursing, real-time monitoring, and better adherence to care plans. We improve outcomes and reduce hospitalizations for patients with complex needs.
What if I’m not sure if my kidney condition is work-related?
Many former DOE workers aren’t aware their kidney disease may be connected to past exposure. We can help you understand your options, work with your doctor, and apply for benefits if appropriate.
Do I need to stop going to my current doctor or dialysis clinic?
No. Care+ Kidney is designed to work with your existing care team, not replace it. We partner with your nephrologist to support you at home, helping you stay on track between visits, avoid complications, and live more independently.
How do I enroll or refer someone to Care+ Kidney?
Choose Clinically-Excellent, Purpose-Driven Care
You deserve more than just a provider — you deserve a team that delivers care with intention.
You’ve found that care in Nuclear Care Partners.