The program that provides health services to 9/11 first responders and survivors could be forced to cut services and halt enrollment in 2028 if the federal government does not allocate more funding, elected officials and advocates say. Federal legislation introduced last week by Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Republican Rep. Andrew Garbarino would ensure funding through 2090 for the World Trade Center Health Program, which serves more than 132,000 people across the country. The bill would make some tweaks to the program’s funding formula to prevent future shortfalls as well as increase funding for research and data collection on health conditions linked to 9/11. "Over the last several years, we have successfully chipped away at the program’s funding shortfall — first securing $1 billion, and then an additional $676 million to keep the program afloat,” Garbarino said. “With the introduction of this bill, we hope to move past the piecemeal funding solutions and fully fund 9/11 health care for all those who need it.” Garbarino and Gillibrand were joined by Sen. Chuck Schumer and other New York lawmakers in a bipartisan show of support in unveiling the bill, known as the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2024. The lawmakers said they are hopeful they can pass it before cost-cutting measures need to be implemented. Gillibrand said the Senate plans to attach it to a bill that is certain to pass. “Time is always of the essence because for these survivors and families, the anxiety of not knowing is going to be there, and it’s too much for them to bear,” Gillibrand told reporters during a press conference Thursday. IN OTHER NEWS: — NYC Health + Hospitals is boosting its spending on medical interpretation services in response to significant increases in requests from patients with limited English proficiency. The city-run health system’s board of directors on Thursday approved new contracts worth a combined $126 million over five years to provide interpretation over the phone, over video and on-site. Health + Hospitals used over 35.5 million minutes of interpretation in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, a 21-percent increase from the prior fiscal year. GOT TIPS? Send story ideas and feedback to Maya Kaufman at mkaufman@politico.com. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You’ll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day’s biggest stories.
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