Workers’ comp lawyer discusses what happens if you are injured at work and who pays the medical bills.
Access to medical care is one of the most important benefits under Michigan workers’ comp law. Employees hurt on-the-job are covered for medical care regardless of fault. Here is some information about when an employee is injured at work and who pays the medical bills.
Employees have the right to choose their own doctor after 28 days from the start of care. The amount paid is controlled by a state-wide fee schedule and a patient cannot be charged extra or balance billed. There are no copayments or deductibles under workers’ comp. We recommend selecting the best doctor available as cost should not be an issue.
A disabled employee also needs medical proof for their ongoing claim. Medical care ensures there is evidence about causation and disability. A treating doctor is the best person to testify in a workman’s comp case. Watch out for doctors selected by the insurance company as this might be a conflict of interest.
If injured at work who pays medical bills in Michigan?
In Michigan, if you are injured at work, workers’ comp pays for your medical bills. Treatment should be covered 100% and there is never any copayments or deductibles owed. It covers appointments, emergency room visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, injections, prescriptions, medical equipment, and surgery.
Mileage should also be paid to and from each medical appointment. Travel reimbursement for meals and hotels is also covered when appropriate. This happens when an employee must travel a far distance for medical treatment.
Employees who need attendant care to help with activities of daily living can get their relatives paid up to 56 hours each week at professional rates. Home and vehicle modifications should also be covered when necessary.
Who pays disputed medical bills under workers’ comp when injured at work?
If you were injured at work and your medical bills aren’t being paid because they are being disputed by workers comp, then send the disputed bills to group health insurance for immediate payment. This ensures medical bills are not hanging over their head.
Insurance companies frequently dispute treatment and care under workers’ comp. This is usually based upon “peer review” or an independent medical examination (IME). The truth is that insurance companies don’t want to pay, so they look for any excuse to dispute claims. Don’t let the insurance company save money at your expense. File an Application for Mediation or Hearing and let the magistrate decide about payment of medical care.
Employees who later receive a settlement or award will need to reimburse the group health insurance company. Medicaid and Medicare will also pay disputed bills and should not be overlooked as a resource. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer will be able to negotiate payback to minimize any impact on settlement.
Injured on the job? Call our workers’ comp lawyers now!
If you are injured at work and you have questions about who is going to pay your medical bills, call now to speak with an experienced workers’ comp attorney, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 40 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand workers’ comp laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. 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.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
Employer Refuses To File Workers’ Comp Claim In Michigan, Now What?
