Michigan attorney answers questions about health insurance and workers’ compensation
Many people are confused about who will pay for their medical expenses after an at-work injury. The FAQs below on health insurance and workers’ compensation will help you understand your rights to medical treatment, and who will pay for your care.
To speak with one of our workman’s comp lawyers now, call us at (844) 345-0952. You can also fill out our free consultation form. The call is free and the advice is free.
Does workers’ comp cover medical bills?
In Michigan, workers’ comp covers your medical bills. This means they pay for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your work injury. This does not mean that your employer must provide you or your family with health insurance. Workers’ compensation medical benefits and health insurance provided by your employer are two different things.
Your employer only has to pay what is required under the Michigan workers’ compensation law.
Medical treatment under workers’ comp can include doctor visits, physical therapy, surgery, hospital stays and medications. It can also include dental care, prosthetics, eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs and other appliances necessary to cure or relieve the effects of your work injury.
Some individuals also need attendant (nursing care) to help with activities of daily living.
What if my employer/insurance company says my treatment is not work related?
Sometimes there are disputes as to what is reasonable and necessary medical treatment under workers’ comp. This typically occurs when the employer or the insurance company believe that the medical treatment is not work-related. For example, it’s common for someone with arthritis in the spine to be denied treatment for a back injury.
Here’s information on many at-work injuries that are commonly disputed under workman’s comp.
Can my employer to continue paying my health insurance while on workers’ compensation?
In Michigan, many employers will continue to provide health insurance to someone currently receiving workers’ compendation, even though it is not required by law. This is because the cash value of any discontinued fringe benefits can be used to increase the average weekly wage. It may be cheaper for your employer to continue paying health insurance rather than paying you more in wage loss benefits.
Are there other ways I can receive health insurance?
A lot of employers will fire an employee who cannot work because of an injury. A federal law called COBRA gives some of the employees the right to continue the group health insurance plan for a period of time. This can be very expensive, as you must pay the premiums.
You might also have the right to health insurance through an employment or union contract. It is very important that you speak with an experienced workmans comp lawyer whenever you are injured at work. If you settle your workers’ compensation case, this could affect your entitlement to future health insurance. Call us at (844) 345-0952. The call and the advice are free.
What if my employer tells me to use my health insurance instead of workers’ compensation for a work-related injury?
Sometimes the problem is not keeping health insurance but getting workers’ compensation. Your employer may tell you to use your own health insurance for a work injury. This is not correct and you could end up paying the price out of pocket. Workers compensation is unlimited and you should have no deductibles or co-pays. Even if you lose your job, workers compensation should pay reasonable and necessary medical treatment for life.
It is possible to have your group health insurance pay for a work injury when your employer refuses. This allows you to get the medical treatment while you are pursuing workers’ comp benefits in court. Most group health insurance companies will agree to pay for medical treatment when you have a pending case. You will need to reimburse the health insurance company if you later receive workers’ comp benefits.
In summary, all reasonable and necessary medical treatment should be paid under workers’ comp for an injury that occurs at work. Your employer does not have to provide you with health insurance but many continue to do so because it is in their financial interest. When workers’ compensation is denied, use your own health insurance to pay medical bills and file a case against your employer. If you lose your health insurance, you should explore options under COBRA and any employment or union contract.
Have questions about your claim? Call our attorneys now!
If you have question about your health insurance and your workers’ compensation claim, call now (844) 408-0892 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
For more than 40 years, our lawyers have been helping people like you who have suffered from work-related injuries in Michigan. We understand the physical, emotional, and psychological hardships you are experiencing from your accident. We also have the skill, experience, and know-how to protect you and get you the best possible payout amount for your case.
To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Remember, every work injury claim is different and must be negotiated on its own merits. Do not accept any payout amount without fully understanding your legal rights.