For Individual Requesters/Recipients
See also General FAQs and FAQs for Representatives | Administrators or Executors of Estates | Survivors
What types of compensation may the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) provide to me if I qualify?
If you qualify for CICP benefits, you may be compensated for:
*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.
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*
What medical records do I need, and how do I obtain them?
In order to complete a medical review for eligibility, the CICP requires your complete medical records, including for those visits to primary care providers and specialists, consultations, and hospitalizations, as well as the immunization record in the case of vaccine injuries.
You must submit medical records dating from one year prior to the receipt of the covered countermeasure until the present, so that the CICP can assess your total health picture before, and after, your alleged injury occurred. For example, if you received an anthrax vaccine on November 1, 2011, you must send your entire medical record from November 1, 2010 to the present.
You must also complete an Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Health Information Form for each healthcare provider (e.g. doctor, specialist, or hospital) you saw during the time frame indicated above and request that they send your records to the CICP. You must also submit a copy of each Form to the CICP so that the Program knows which medical records to expect. If your healthcare provider(s) prefers that you request medical records 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 its review of your Request for Benefits until all records are received.
Learn more about How to File for CICP benefits.
How much time does it take to process my Request for Benefits?
The time it takes to process a Request for Benefits varies by case. The case review begins when the CICP receives all of your expected medical records and any other required documentation. A delay in sending complete medical records to the CICP will delay the processing of your case. Once all of your medical records are received, your case will be put in queue to be reviewed. Since a thorough, individualized review is required to determine your eligibility, the time it takes for the CICP to process a Request for Benefits depends partly on the complexity of your case. The CICP will communicate with you periodically to provide you with updates on the status of your case or to request needed information.
Am I required to have an attorney to file for benefits with the CICP?
No. The CICP is not authorized to provide reimbursement for attorneys’ fees. You may elect to use an attorney; however, you are responsible for any costs incurred from using one.
Learn more about How to File for CICP benefits.
If I received a CICP covered countermeasure and I also received a vaccine covered by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), can I file in both programs?
Yes. If you received a vaccine or countermeasure covered under the CICP and you also received a vaccine covered under the VICP, but you are unsure which vaccine may have caused your injury, then you may file in either or both programs. Depending on your circumstances, you 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 I miss the filing deadline?
If your Request for Benefits is postmarked more than one (1) year after receiving the covered countermeasure, you will not be considered for CICP benefits. In some cases, an immunization record is required to establish the date of the countermeasure administration.
If you miss the filing deadline, you may request reconsideration of your 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 I am not eligible for benefits?
If the CICP determines that you are not eligible for benefits, you may request reconsideration of your 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.