Rudy Giuliani, 82, sought enrollment in the federal World Trade Center Health Program after doctors diagnosed him with restrictive airway disease linked to 9/11 dust exposure. His lawyer Michael Barasch said the move would give the former mayor free medical care and could open a path to the Victim Compensation Fund. Giuliani’s bid, made recently, comes as he is still recovering from pneumonia that required ventilator support.

The program, created by Congress in 2010, now serves more than 152,000 enrollee s and processed over 600,000 claims last year at a cost of nearly $350 million. Benefits include specialist doctors, no co‑payments and coverage for respiratory and cancer treatments. Approximately 60% of participants are emergency workers; the remainder are civilians who lived or worked near ground zero.

Giuliani’s application underscores lingering legal and financial pressures; he previously faced a $1.3 million judgment and a dismissed bankruptcy filing. Enrollment would not only relieve medical expenses but also signal that high‑profile figures can access the same benefits as first‑responders. The health program’s steady intake of 8,000‑11,000 new cases each year keeps federal spending and oversight in focus.