Injured employees are often eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to prevent major expenses caused by work-related medical issues. The benefits available fall into two primary categories.
Those who must miss work because of on-the-job injuries may be eligible for disability benefits that replace some of their lost income. Workers’ compensation also provides medical coverage to pay for necessary treatment when a worker has an injury or illness directly caused by their employment. Workers in need of trauma care for wounds or physical therapy after breaking bones need to understand what workers’ compensation covers.
Benefits can cover all necessary medical expenses
Standard health insurance policies make patients responsible for deductibles, coinsurance or copays. Workers’ compensation medical coverage does not leave any care costs to the injured worker for approved care.
They are eligible for full coverage with no patient responsibility costs. What matters is that the medical condition began with their employment and that a physician agrees that the treatment is necessary. Workers’ compensation can pay for emergency care, medical appointments, surgeries, physical therapy and prescribed medications.
However, the treatment must be necessary and likely to improve a worker’s condition. Treatment benefits may end when workers stop responding to care. Workers’ compensation does not typically cover the cost of unnecessary care or treatment that is unlikely to improve a worker’s condition. Symptom-management benefits, including prescription drug costs, may be eligible for ongoing coverage.
Those concerned about the medical care they require may need support as they pursue workers’ compensation benefits. Having experienced legal guidance can make navigating the workers’ compensation system less challenging.