Utahns impacted by Cold War-era nuclear weapons testing, or their families seeking federal compensation, can get assistance with their applications through Intermountain Health’s Downwinders Clinic. The clinic's Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program has scheduled upcoming public information meetings throughout Utah to address questions and review applications for payments under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, known as RECA.
The RECA program was reactivated and expanded in July 2025. This followed a one-year lapse after Congress initially did not reauthorize the program. Individuals who developed specific cancers due to radiation exposure from nuclear testing or development, as well as their families applying on their behalf, are eligible to apply for a one-time $100,000 compensation payment.
RECA was first established in 1990, covering certain communities, which included 10 counties within Utah at that time. Eligibility has since been significantly broadened. After years of sustained efforts by advocates and downwinders, who called for expanded eligibility as evidence showed a much wider area was impacted by the testing, the program now covers all of Idaho, New Mexico, and Utah. It also extends to certain areas of Arizona, Missouri, and Nevada. Additionally, uranium workers in a number of states are now eligible for compensation.
Looking ahead, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is actively working to further amend the RECA program. These proposed amendments aim to include individuals from all of Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Guam, and Nevada. Lawmakers are also seeking to extend the current application period, which is set to conclude on December 31, 2027.
At the upcoming informational meetings, representatives from the Downwinders Clinic will provide comprehensive details on the expanded RECA program. They will cover eligibility criteria, the application process, how to navigate the government’s online RECA portal, and the overall claim procedure. These sessions are designed to help residents understand the federal compensation available and guide them through the necessary steps.
For those who have already completed their applications, the Downwinders Clinic offers an additional layer of support. Individuals can schedule one-on-one reviews with clinic staff before formally submitting their paperwork. To request an application review, residents are advised to call 435-251-4760. These reviews are intended to help ensure applications are complete and accurate before submission.
