For Representatives
See also General FAQs and FAQs for Individual Requesters/Recipients | Administrators or Executors of Estates | Survivors
See the Types of Eligible Requesters to determine if you qualify as a representative for an injured countermeasure recipient.
What types of compensation does the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) provide to those who qualify?
If an individual qualifies for CICP benefits, that person may be compensated for:
- Medical expenses (unreimbursed/out-of-pocket medical expenses that are reasonable and necessary to diagnose or treat your covered injury and to diagnose, treat, or prevent its health complications)
- Lost employment income
- Survivor death benefits*
*See the section for Survivors if you fall under this category.
Please note that the CICP is the payer of last resort and can only reimburse or pay for medical services or items, or lost employment income that are not covered by other third-party payers, such as health insurance, Veterans Affairs benefits, or Workers’ Compensation.
Learn more about the Types of Benefits available.
What medical records are needed, and how do I obtain them?
In order to complete a medical review for eligibility, the CICP requires the injured countermeasure recipient’s complete medical records, including primary care visits, specialists, consultations, and hospitalizations, as well as the immunization record in the case of vaccine injuries. The representative must submit medical records dating back one year prior to the receipt of the covered countermeasure until the present, so that the CICP can assess the injured countermeasure recipient’s total health picture before, and after, the alleged injury occurred. For example, if he/she received an anthrax vaccine on November 1, 2011, the representative must send his/her entire medical record from November 1, 2010 to the present.
The representative or the injured countermeasure recipient must complete an Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Health Information Form for each healthcare provider (e.g. doctor, specialist, or hospital) the injured countermeasure recipient saw during the time frame indicated above, and request that the records be sent to the CICP. The representative must also submit a duplicate copy of each Form to the CICP so that the Program knows which medical records to expect. If the healthcare provider(s) prefers that the medical records be requested using their own authorization form, the CICP will accept a copy of that form.
For security reasons, the CICP does not accept medical records sent by email.
The CICP will not begin a medical review until all records are received.
Learn more about How to File for CICP benefits.
How much time does it take to process a Request for Benefits?
The time it takes to process a Request for Benefits varies by case. The case review can begin when the CICP receives all of the injured countermeasure recipient’s expected medical records and any other required documentation. A delay in sending complete medical records to the CICP will delay the processing of the case. Once all of the medical records are submitted, the case will be put in queue to be reviewed. Since a thorough, individualized review is required to determine eligibility, the time it takes for the CICP to process a Request for Benefits depends on the complexity of the case. The CICP will communicate with the representative periodically to provide updates on the status of the case or to request needed information.
If an individual received a CICP covered countermeasure and a vaccine covered by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), can he or she file in both programs?
Yes. If an injured countermeasure recipient received a vaccine or countermeasure covered under the CICP and also received a vaccine covered under the VICP, but it is not clear which vaccine may have caused his/her injury, then the representative may file in either or both programs. Depending on the circumstances, the injured individual may not receive compensation from either or both programs.
The CICP covers several vaccines and countermeasures designated for use during pandemic, epidemic, and security threats. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) covers vaccines that are recommended for routine use.
Learn more about CICP Covered Countermeasures or the VICP .
What if an individual misses the filing deadline?
If a Request for Benefits is postmarked more than one (1) year after the injured countermeasure recipient received the covered countermeasure, he/she will not be considered for CICP benefits. In some cases, an immunization record is required to establish the date of the countermeasure administration.
If an individual misses the filing deadline, you may request reconsideration of their case. Requests for reconsideration must be received in writing within 60 days of the CICP’s determination of ineligibility, and mailed to:
Health Resources and Services Administration
Associate Administrator, Healthcare Systems Bureau
5600 Fishers Lane, 8N164B
Rockville, MD 20857
What if the CICP determines that an individual is not eligible for benefits?
If the CICP determines that you an individual is not eligible for benefits, you may request reconsideration of his/her case. Requests for reconsideration must be received in writing within 60 days of the CICP’s determination of ineligibility, and mailed to:
Health Resources and Services Administration
Associate Administrator, Healthcare Systems Bureau
5600 Fishers Lane, 8N164B
Rockville, MD 20857
CICP Fact Sheet
Download the CICP fact sheet (PDF - 156 KB)
Contact Us
cicp@hrsa.gov
1-855-266-2427 (1-855-266-CICP)
For your security, please do not send any personal information (Social Security Number, medical, legal, or financial documents, etc.) by email to the Program.
Please call the above number and you will receive information on sending emails safely and securely.