Workers’ compensation benefits typically fall into two main categories. There are disability benefits that replace a portion of a professional’s lost income until they can return to work. There are also medical benefits that pay for their treatment.
Unlike traditional health insurance, which imposes several patient responsibility costs, workers’ compensation provides full medical coverage. Injured or sickened workers do not need to meet a deductible or pay coinsurance based on their treatment costs.
How long can workers rely on the medical benefits available through workers’ compensation?
Until they recover
Typically, full medical coverage is available until the employee can return to their position with their employer. Workers’ compensation can pay for trauma care immediately after an injury and surgery to help address a worker’s symptoms. Benefits can also cover recurring expenses, including prescription medications and physical therapy sessions. Employees can generally count on workers’ compensation coverage continuing until their condition improves and they can return to work.
Until treatment stops helping
Unfortunately, not all employees with work-acquired medical conditions make full recoveries. In some cases, improvement may eventually plateau. They achieve maximum medical improvement (MMI) and are unlikely to see any substantial reduction in symptoms after that point. In such cases, the state may stop paying for treatment-related benefits. However, workers may still be eligible for benefits to manage ongoing symptoms, such as prescription medication.
Having legal assistance while pursuing workers’ compensation benefits can help employees protect themselves. An attorney can educate workers about the benefits they deserve and help them handle the paperwork necessary to secure and maintain their benefits.