Black Lung Benefits Reform Act

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Black Lung Benefits Reform Act - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to redefine the term "total disability" to prohibit use of the fact that a deceased miner was still a mine employee at the time of death as evidence that such miner was not totally disabled. Stipulates that employed miners shall not be eligible for benefits under the Act except under exceptional circumstances. Details evidentiary requirements to establish claims for disability due to pneumoconiosis under the Act. Requires that claimants be provided an opportunity to substantiate such disability claims with complete pulmonary evaluations. Establishes a Black Lung Disability Insurance Fund in the Treasury of the United States. Sets forth provisions governing administration of the Fund. States that amounts in the Fund shall be available for making expenditures to meet the obligations acquired by the Fund, including the expenses of providing medical benefits where such benefits are not paid by the appropriate mine operator. Stipulates that mine operators shall be liable to the Fund for benefits actually paid by the Fund for which such operator was liable. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954…