Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-110
§239c Medical Benefits
Title 42 › CHAPTER 6A — PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE › SUBCHAPTER I — ADMINISTRATION AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › Part C — Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection › § 239c
Summary
The Secretary must pay or reimburse reasonable and necessary medical services and supplies for an eligible person's covered injury, including doctor‑ordered items that can cure, relieve, reduce disability, or lower monthly compensation. Payments are secondary to the United States' or any third party's obligation, including state or local governments, insurers, or employers.
Full Legal Text
Title 42, §239c
The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)In general
Subject to the succeeding provisions of this section, the Secretary shall make payment or reimbursement for medical items and services as reasonable and necessary to treat a covered injury of an eligible individual, including the services, appliances, and supplies prescribed or recommended by a qualified physician, which the Secretary considers likely to cure, give relief, reduce the degree or the period of disability, or aid in lessening the amount of monthly compensation.
(b)Benefits secondary to other coverage
Payment or reimbursement for services or benefits under subsection (a) shall be secondary to any obligation of the United States or any third party (including any State or local governmental entity, private insurance carrier, or employer) under any other provision of law or contractual agreement, to pay for or provide such services or benefits.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
42 U.S.C. § 239c
Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110