When you’re dealing with a work-related injury, you will find that you have a lot of questions about health insurance. In the event that you become injured, it’s important that you understand your rights as an injured worker, your benefits, and how it affects your health insurance. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of common questions, as well as answers, when it comes to your work-related injury and health insurance.
Health Insurance and Worker’s Comp: Questions About Your Benefits
Who is responsible for my medical bills?
First things first, when it comes to a work injury, your employer should cover any medical treatment. Whether that be doctor’s visits, exams, tests, x-rays… you name it, it’s the responsibility of your employer. However, that is not to say that your employer will be providing health insurance to you, and your family. Worker’s comp benefits and health insurance are two separate coverages entirely. Therefore, unless it is related to the injury you received on the job, worker’s comp will not cover it.
Will my employer continue to cover my health insurance?
If your employer has been paying for health insurance up until this point, there is no reason why that may stop. As we’ve said, health insurance and worker’s comp are two entirely different things that do not intertwine at any point in time.
Should I ever use my own health coverage?
No. When dealing with a work-related injury, all medical necessities should go through that claim. Furthermore, do not let your employer convince you to take this route either. In the end, you might end up paying a large amount out-of-pocket, and fighting for reimbursement unless you follow the rules of worker’s comp. Worker’s comp is there for you at 100% to take advantage of as you need to heal.
Knowing Your Benefits Before You Pay
To make it brief, worker’s comp should take care of any treatment, or costs, associated with your injury. If you make the mistake of mixing your insurance into that, it can be difficult to receive compensation for that. You’ll want to have a copy of your benefit, be an active participant in the process, and make sure everything is being handled properly. While worker’s comp claims can be cut and dry, some employers may try and make it more difficult.