Black Lung Benefits Act of 1973 — this legislation, Title IV of the Federal Mine Health and Safety Act (FMHSA) of
1969, and its various amendments provide coverage for mine workers whose
exposure to coal dust has resulted in total disability or death due to chronic
lung disease. The Act grants coverage to address medical treatment and lost
wages of the worker in the case of total disability and death benefits to the
survivors and dependents in the event of death.