Q. I lived in the Love Canal neighborhood. How do I know if I'm included in those eligible to receive benefits from the Love Canal Medical Fund?
A. There are 1,328 former residents of Love Canal who were participants in a successful court action against Occidental Chemical Corporation et al. If you are one of those 1,328 individuals you would have received a cash settlement at the time the case ended and you would have received a "Letter of Determination." You can contact the Fund at any time to see if your name is among those covered by the Fund.

Q. Who reviews my Annual Physical and Medical Benefits Claim forms?
A. The Fund engages a Claims Adjuster to review all claim forms. Beneficiaries are advised to retain copies of all submitted documents for their records. If additional information is required to process a claim, the Claims Adjuster will promptly contact the beneficiary to obtain the necessary details.

Q. What benefits are provided to beneficiaries?
A. There are two categories of benefits.

   
1. Annual physical examination coverage is provided to all beneficiaries. The Fund currently reimburses up to $350, with no deductible required. If your physical examination expense is $350, the Fund will reimburse you the full amount upon submission of appropriate documentation.
2. Medical Benefits coverage is completely outlined in the Medical Benefits Plan. Coverage extends only to medical conditions the Fund determines are reasonably linked to exposure to toxic chemicals at Love Canal and constitute reasonable and customary expenses. There is no annual deductible; however, a minimum of $100 in claims per year is required for reimbursement of eligible items. Certain services and items are subject to specific limitations as detailed in the Medical Benefits Plan.

Q. How can I obtain the forms to file a claim?
A. All forms may be accessed in downloadable format from the Fund's website. Alternatively, individuals may request forms by contacting the Fund via telephone or email.

Q. I do not understand how to fill out the claim form. Can I get help?
A. Yes. Kindly complete the form as thoroughly as possible and send it to the specified address. Should any details require clarification, a representative will contact you directly. Please be advised that the Fund cannot accept forms that are blank or materially incomplete.

Q. Who reviews my Annual Physical and Medical Benefits Claim forms?
A. The Fund engages a Claims Adjuster responsible for reviewing all claim forms. If a claim lacks sufficient information for processing, the beneficiary will be contacted to provide additional details.

Q. How long after the claims adjuster reviews my claim can I expect a reimbursement check?
A. The timing of payments varies according to claim type:

1. Claims for an Annual Physical are processed and paid by the Claims Adjuster once all required documentation has been submitted.


2. Medical Benefits claims undergo evaluation by the Claims Committee, a subset of the Medical Fund's Board. The Committee convenes periodically throughout the year, and approved claims are subsequently authorized for payment by the Claims Adjuster.
   

Q. What are the covered illnesses?
A. The Fund covers out-of-pocket medical expenses linked to toxic chemical exposure at Love Canal, as specified in the Medical Benefits Plan. It applies to conditions present during residency or latent illnesses developed after leaving the area.

Q. How do I know if my medical problem is related to having lived in Love Canal?
A. If you have any questions regarding coverage, please submit a claim for reimbursement. Our Claims Adjuster will review your claim and inform you if the expense is covered.

Q. What is the annual deductible amount?
A. There is no deductible, but you must have at least $100 in expenses to be reimbursed.

Q. How does the Love Canal Medical Fund locate potential Board Members?
A. Current Board Members may nominate candidates for Board of Director positions, or candidates may submit their CV or resume. The Nominating Committee reviews applications and interviews candidates to ensure mutually beneficial Board experience.

The Board of Directors consists of both Residents and Experts who are elected to serve three-year terms.

Residents are individuals who previously lived at Love Canal and are beneficiaries of the Fund. They participate in the Board with the intention of ensuring that the Fund's assets are dedicated to the overall welfare of current living beneficiaries.

Experts are members from the broader community who volunteer their specialized knowledge-such as financial, legal, medical, scientific, social work, and other relevant areas-to the Board. Their expertise is shared for the collective benefit of all beneficiaries.

Q. How often and where does the Board of Directors meet?
A. The Board customarily convenes twice annually at a location accessible to individuals residing in Western New York to conduct the business of the Fund.

Q. Are Board Members compensated?
A. Board Members volunteer their service to support individuals impacted by the Love Canal tragedy. No Board Member receives a salary, stipend, or benefits. The Fund reimburses Board Members solely for authorized expenses incurred while fulfilling their official responsibilities.