Workplace injuries and work-acquired medical conditions may require treatment. Some employees think that a workers’ compensation claim could endanger their careers. Others don’t want to cause financial complications for their employers. In some cases, people try to use their own health insurance or personal resources to cover the cost of treatment for a work-related medical condition.
While doing so may seem like an honorable choice, workers’ compensation exists for a reason. Those who use their own health insurance may have to pay a large deductible or may become responsible for a significant percentage of their care costs due to coinsurance requirements. People who work to support themselves shouldn’t have to absorb major financial losses because their jobs caused medical issues.
Particularly in cases where workers require one of the three kinds of treatment described below, filing a workers’ compensation claim might be the best option available.
Surgical care
Carpal tunnel syndrome, comminuted fractures and numerous other medical challenges might require surgical treatment. In some cases, surgery can completely resolve medical issues. In other cases, it may be the fastest route to recovery. Surgical procedures often cost thousands of dollars, but workers’ compensation can pay for treatment in full.
Physical therapy
Workers trying to regain function after an injury or who need to learn how to avoid worsening a condition may need therapeutic support. Physical therapy often lasts for weeks after treatment ends or a worker gets diagnosed with a particular condition. Those who use health insurance may have to cover part of their physical therapy cost through coinsurance. They may also have to pay a copay every time they see their physical therapist. Workers’ compensation can fully cover the cost of physical therapy until a worker is ready to safely return to their job.
Regular medication
Some work-acquired medical conditions require medication to treat. Medications may be subject to co-pays. In some cases, insurance companies don’t cover the brand-name forms of medications and require that patients take the generic form instead. Particularly in cases where the medication is likely to be necessary for months or years, workers’ compensation can help eliminate the financial pressure that prescription drugs can generate.
Workers’ compensation medical coverage does not impose any patient responsibility costs. Filing a benefits claim can help workers cover their treatment costs and even replace their wages until they can return to work.