Title 42 — The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73not60

§239c Medical Benefits

Title 42 › Chapter 6A— PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE › Subchapter I— ADMINISTRATION AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › Part C— Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection › § 239c

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary must pay or reimburse medical care, devices, and supplies that a qualified doctor prescribes to treat an eligible person’s covered injury when those items are reasonable and likely to cure, ease symptoms, shorten the disability, or lower monthly compensation. Such payments are secondary and only apply after the United States or any other responsible payer (for example, state or local governments, private insurers, or employers) has paid under another law or contract.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §239c

The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)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)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

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60