When facing a workplace injury, understanding the parameters of workers’ compensation becomes paramount. While many are aware of the benefits it offers, it’s equally crucial to recognize what’s not included under its umbrella. This knowledge ensures that employees are not blindsided by unexpected financial burdens or treatment limitations.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance and Workers’ Compensation
For most individuals, health insurance is directly tied to their employment. A portion of their salary is allocated to cover these premiums. But here’s a critical aspect to remember: in most cases, health insurance is not covered by workers’ compensation. If an employee faces a workplace injury and is subsequently unable to work, their wage loss benefits might not factor in the cost of maintaining their health insurance.
Implications of Losing Your Job Post-Injury
In the unfortunate event of losing a job due to the injury, the employee is left without an income. Although workers’ compensation might cater to the wage loss, it doesn’t necessarily account for the health insurance cost.
In simple terms, if you previously had your health insurance premiums deducted from your salary and you now rely on workers’ compensation for income, you may have to bear the brunt of those premiums without any specific reimbursements.
Medical Treatments
The Case of Medical Marijuana
While medical treatments and their acceptability under workers’ compensation can vary by region, some general exclusions exist. For instance, in places like Minnesota, medical marijuana isn’t compensable through workers’ compensation. Even if it’s prescribed as a part of the treatment process, you’ll likely have to bear its cost.
Restrictions and Treatment Parameters
Beyond the outright exclusions, there are certain treatments with specific parameters. These treatments may be capped, requiring explicit documentation, doctor’s notes, or further explanations to be covered. These limits ensure that treatments are essential and relevant to the workplace injury. However, this can sometimes lead to surprises when the bill comes, especially if you weren’t aware of these restrictions.
Consulting the Experts: The Role of Attorneys
When in doubt, seeking legal counsel can provide clarity. If you have questions about the intricacies of what’s not covered by workers’ compensation, an attorney can be instrumental. They can guide you through the maze of treatments, how much of them you can avail, and the documentation required, ensuring you don’t end up with bills that you assumed would be covered.
Learn What Types of Expenses Aren’t Covered by Workers’ Compensation
While workers’ compensation offers a significant safety net for those injured on the job, understanding its limitations is crucial. By knowing what’s not included, you can better prepare, budget, and seek additional resources or insurances to cover these gaps. Always stay informed and consider seeking expert advice when needed. Contact Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law today to learn what types of expenses are not covered by workers’ compensation.
