It's To Your Benefit

Workers' compensation is medical insurance that states require employers to carry for work-related injuries to their employees. This coverage pays an employees medical expenses and replaces part of the employee's salary when the employee is unable to work. Workers' compensation coverage is regulated by your state and benefits may vary from those listed here; coverage is paid by your employer (at no cost to you).

If you are injured on the job, it is your responsibility to report a work-related accident to your employer, as soon as it happens. Workers' compensation coverage will pay for the most reasonable and necessary medical care, but your employer or its workers' compensation insurance carrier has the right to choose the doctor who will treat you. Workers' compensation coverage will also replace part of your lost wages, if your doctor says you must be out of work for a certain length of time because of a work-related injury or illness.

The intent of the law is to ensure that you return to work as soon as the doctor says you are able. If your workplace has more than 50 employees, your employer should make a good faith effort to return you to work within your restrictions after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), or your employer may be fined. Note that if you report an injury as work-related, when you know you were not injured at work, you could be convicted of a felony of the third degree.

In order to qualify for medical care and benefits, you must report your job-related injury or illness to your supervisor as soon as possible and go to the doctor chosen by your employer or your employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier. (Your employer's workers' compensation insurance carriers name and telephone number should be posted at your worksite.)

In order for you to begin receiving benefits, your employer must report the injury to its workers' compensation insurance carrier, either of whom must provide you a copy of the First Report of Injury or Illness. In order to continue receiving benefits during the time you are unable to work (or working at a reduced salary), you must complete all forms when requested. Be sure to fully cooperate with your employer and its workers' compensation insurance carrier; if you do not, your benefits may cease or be delayed.

Be sure you:

• Complete all workers' compensation forms in a timely manner and keep all appointments.
   

• Report any earnings to the workers' compensation insurance carrier (including Social Security and unemployment benefits) that you get after your injury.
   

• Keep all records in a safe place for future reference.
   

• Return to work as soon as the doctor says you can.
   

• Get approval from the insurance carrier before receiving treatment. If you are not satisfied with the doctor first assigned, ask your workers' compensation insurance carrier to approve another doctor.

Be aware that your right to receive benefits and medical care may end if, for a one-year period, there has been no (need for) payment for lost wages or medical care.

Medical Benefits

Workers' compensation insurance pays for all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your on-the-job injury or illness, including visits to an approved, health care provider (chiropractic visits may be limited), surgery, hospital care, dental care, prescription drugs, braces/crutches, and other medical supplies when ordered by your approved physician.

Before being treated, be sure you have the approval of your employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier. You are not responsible for the doctor bills as long as the carrier approves the doctor you are seeing. The doctor will bill the workers' compensation insurance carrier directly. Your state's plan may require that your doctor collect a minor co-payment amount from you per visit after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).

Payment for Lost Wages

If your earnings are lower because of a work-related injury or illness, you may be able to receive some cash benefits -- if you have been out of work for more than seven calendar days on the advice of your approved doctor and if certain other conditions are met. The insurance carrier will calculate your eligible payments, based on your average, weekly wage information that your employer provides.

Reemployment Services

You may qualify to receive reemployment services. The goal of these services is to help you return to work as soon as you can. The types of services you may receive will vary depending upon the date you were injured or became ill. Services may include help in writing resumes, vocational testing and counseling to help identify employment options, help in finding a job, and training and education, if needed, for you to be able to return to work.

Preferred Worker Program

If you have a permanent disability and are unable to return to your regular job because of a workplace injury or illness, you may be eligible to receive a Preferred Worker Card, which will tell a future employer about financial benefits they may receive for hiring you. This may make it easier for you to get a job.

If you are out of work due to a long-term disability, dont forget to apply for individual disability insurance benefits if applicable, either through your group plan at work or individual plan, if you purchased one previously. If you are determined to be completely and totally disabled and no longer able to be gainfully employed, you may also apply for Social Security Disability benefits.

Bear in mind that workers' compensation laws vary from state to state. Benefits and the rules that govern them may be different from those listed above. Your point of contact for answers to all related questions is the Employee Assistance Office (EAO) at the Division of Workers' Compensation for your state.

Don't let a work related injury get you down. Workers' compensation is a benefit designed to help you get back to work.

-Mike Iglesias is a Financial Hotline Educator for http://www.TheMoneyExpert.com and a Certified Tax Professional (CTP).

For more information and additional money strategy visit: http://www.TheMoneyExpert.com and pick up a FREE subscription to FREE MONEY TIPS, The Worlds Leading Money Strategy Newsletter

2006 International Administrative Services, Inc.