• The Black Lung Benefits Act of 1973 is Title IV of the Federal Mine Health and Safety Act (FMHSA) of 1969, and its various amendments provide insurance coverage for miners whose exposure to coal dust has resulted in permanent disability or death due to for chronic diseases. lung disease. The law provides coverage for medical treatment and loss of wages for a worker in the event of a total disability and death benefits for survivors and dependents in the event of death.