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# Summary of S. 3304: Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2023 This bill reforms the federal program that provides benefits to coal miners with black lung disease and their families. The legislation makes it easier for miners to file claims and receive benefits by establishing free government-paid medical evaluations, clarifying eligibility rules, and providing attorneys' fees and medical expense assistance to claimants whose cases take more than two years to resolve. The bill also increases benefit amounts for the first time since 2010 and ties future increases to inflation so benefits keep pace with the cost of living. The bill strengthens protections against fraud by imposing penalties up to five years in prison and permanent disqualification from the program for false statements or misconduct. It requires stricter financial standards for coal companies that self-insure their workers' compensation obligations and increases penalties for companies that fail to pay benefits. The legislation also allows miners whose claims were previously denied based on discredited medical opinions to refile and have their cases reconsidered. Additionally, the bill establishes an Office of Workers' Compensation Programs in the Department of Labor and requires the agency to develop a strategy within 90 days to reduce delays in processing black lung claims. The legislation directs the Labor Department to create a list of qualified physicians for medical evaluations and implement conflict-of-interest policies to ensure impartial assessments.

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