ABC 3

WSIL -- Following a federal budget deal on Monday, miners will receive permanent health care benefits.

More than 22,000 retired coal miners were on the verge of losing those benefits because of bankruptcy cases involving coal companies.

Congressman Mike Bost (R) was one of those pushing for this bill.

In a statement today, he said he is "pleased that we have reached a long-term fix on the health care piece."

He said the legislation gives lawmakers "operating room for working on a solution for pensions."