What is RECA?
RECA stands for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. This federal law provides a one-time payment (and in some cases, assistance with medical expenses) to individuals who developed certain illnesses after exposure to radiation from nuclear weapons testing, uranium mining, or related contamination. In 2025, the law was expanded to include additional individuals and geographic areas. In many cases, you do not need to prove that the exposure caused your illness if you meet specific location, time, and disease criteria. A provision in the legislation exempts these payments from federal income tax, and prevents them from counting toward eligibility for federal benefit programs such as Medicaid.
Why does it matter to someone who has had breast cancer?
Primary breast cancer, in both men and women, is specifically listed as a compensable disease under certain categories of RECA. If you lived or worked in an area affected by radiation exposure and were later diagnosed with breast cancer, you may qualify for compensation.
Considerations
Notify the Department of Social Services. When applying for or renewing MO HealthNET, you must disclose all income and assets. Include details about your RECA compensation and clearly indicate that it is a federally protected payment. Full transparency is essential to prevent any potential issues. Keep accurate records: Retain all documentation related to your RECA claim, including the final award letter. If questions arise regarding your eligibility, these records will serve as proof that your compensation is legally protected. Seek guidance if needed. Although RECA funds are protected, navigating government agencies can be complicated. If you experience challenges or encounter question from the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), consider seeking assistance from a legal aid organization.
Need assistance?
Although Gateway to Hope is unable to navigate breast cancer patients through the RECA application process, we have gathered a list of resources and organizations available for support:
- Missouri RECA Page
- US Department of Justice Civil Division Page
- The Pink Angels Foundation – Free application support
- St. Louis County Library – Free support with document collection
- Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
