Mar 5, 2021 Mar 5, 2021 Rates of Black Lung disease have hit a 25-year high in Appalachian coal mining states. Here at home, 1 in 5 veteran miners have black lung. By law, miners with black lung are entitled to modest living and medical benefits. State benefits are awarded after a miner files a claim and submits medical evidence to determine the severity of oneâs disease. In Kentucky, the severity of oneâs disease determines the amount of benefits a miner is eligible for - those with more severe disease receive higher benefits for a longer duration of time. Currently, if oneâs disease worsens, a re-evaluation of oneâs benefits requires a miner to show two things: 1) medical evidence to document the progression of the disease and 2) additional two years of work experience. However, black lung disease is progressive and becomes more severe over time even without further exposure to coal dust. Thatâs why we introduced and support House Bill 62. This bill would eliminate the requirement of an additional two years of work and allow these miners to remain out of the coal dust that has caused their disease.