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Does Vermont Workers’ Compensation Insurance cover Medical Bills?

On August 1, 2023

Have you ever been injured and wondered if workers’ compensation will cover your medical bills? Employees who get diseases or injuries at work are covered by a policy known as workers’ compensation insurance. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and death benefits to employees or their dependents if the employee dies due to a workplace injury or illness.

Introduction

If you’re wondering whether Vermont workers’ compensation insurance covers medical bills, the answer is yes – but it can be more complicated. There are some exclusions and restrictions, but most medical costs associated with a job illness or injury can be covered by workers’ comp insurance.

For example, workers’ comp may only cover treatment necessary for recovery and rehabilitation. Additionally, there may be limits on coverage for certain types of treatment or procedures. It is where Hull Maynard Hersey Insurance can help you navigate the complex world of workers’ compensation insurance and ensure you receive the maximum benefits available.

Who Covers the Medical Bills of an Injured Worker?

Employees who become ill or injured on job are covered by workers’ compensation insurance for their medical expenditures, lost earnings, and rehabilitation costs. It also provides death benefits to the dependents of employees who die due to work-related injuries or illnesses. 

Medical costs associated with diseases or injuries sustained at work are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. It includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and other necessary treatments. It is essential to understand the process of filing a claim, the types of medical treatment covered, and the requirements for reimbursement.

Reach out to an workers’ compensation attorney for guidance. The insurance company may need to be corrected in their assessment of your case, and an attorney can help determine if there are any avenues to reopen it. They will also be able to advise on how to get the medical treatment you need. 

Rest assured that you won’t have to shell out any co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses for your work-related injury. It’s because Vermont’s workers’ compensation regulations require that the employer’s insurance company immediately pay for any medical expenses associated with a job injury. 

You can ease the burden of travel expenses by taking advantage of reimbursement options, such as parking fees, meals, and even hiring a driver to take you to your appointments. Vermont workers’ compensation is designed to ensure that employees who have been injured at work receive appropriate medical care without bearing any financial burden. 

What Medical Expenses Are Covered by Vermont Workers’ Compensation?

When you’re injured on the job, Vermont Workers’ Compensation covers all your medical expenses, including medical appointments, hospital stays, operations, prescription medications, in-lab examinations, and radiography such as MRIs and x-rays. You don’t need to worry about paying for these costs out of pocket. As long as the treatment is necessary to recover from a work-related injury or illness, it will be covered by workers’ compensation. 

Medical appointments

Attending medical appointments is crucial to receiving proper care under Vermont workers’ compensation. You are entitled to receive medical treatment for any injury or illness arising out of and during your employment. It includes doctor visits, diagnostic tests, surgeries, physical therapy sessions, and other necessary medical procedures.

Hospital stays and operations.

During a hospital stay or operation, you must communicate any concerns or discomfort with your healthcare team so they can provide the best possible care. You may be worried about the cost of these medical procedures, but rest assured that if Vermont workers’ compensation covers your injury or illness, your medical bills should also be covered. 

Medications on prescription

It’s important to note that if you sustained a work-related injury or illness, your medical bills should be covered by Vermont workers’ compensation. It includes the cost of any medications prescribed by your doctor.

In-lab examinations

In Vermont, if your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance covers your injury or illness and your doctor recommends an in-lab examination to diagnose it, workers’ comp should cover the examination cost. It includes the cost of the exam itself and any related medical bills like fees for technicians or specialists who administer the exam. 

Radiography (MRIs and X-rays)

You may have heard about radiography, which involves using MRIs and X-rays to diagnose injuries or illnesses related to your work. Suppose you have suffered an injury at work and require a radiography examination for your medical treatment. In that case, Vermont workers’ compensation will likely cover the cost of this procedure.

Physical exercise

Regarding Vermont workers’ compensation, physical exercise may be covered as part of an injured worker’s rehabilitation program. Many workers’ compensation insurance providers offer coverage for physical therapy sessions, including activities designed to help injured workers regain mobility and function. 

DMEs (durable medical equipment) include braces, crutches, wheelchairs, etc.

If you have sustained an injury on the job and require DMEs to assist with your recovery, you may wonder if these expenses are covered under Vermont workers’ compensation. The answer is yes! Vermont law requires employers to provide injured employees with all necessary medical care related to their work injury, including DMEs. 

What Medical Expenses Are Excluded from Workers’ Compensation Medical Benefits?

Unfortunately, medical expenses related to marijuana and CBD products are not covered by Vermont workers’ compensation. If you were injured on the job and require these treatments or medications, you must pay for them out of pocket. It’s important to note that while medical marijuana is legal in Vermont, it is still classified as a Schedule I drug at the federal level, which makes it ineligible for coverage under workers’ compensation insurance.

In addition to medical marijuana and CBD products, other medical expenses may be excluded from workers’ compensation benefits. For example, cosmetic procedures such as plastic surgery or teeth whitening are typically only covered if necessary for functional reasons. Some alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage therapy may only be covered if a licensed healthcare professional prescribes them as part of your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss any potential exclusions with your employer or insurance provider so that you can fully understand what types of medical expenses will be covered under your workers’ compensation policy.

Do Workers’ Compensation Medical Benefits Have a Time Limit?

Vermont has no temporal restrictions on medical benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses. It means that you are entitled to receive medical treatment as long as it is necessary to cure or relieve the effects of your injury or illness.

It’s important to note, however, that while there is no specific time limit, there are certain requirements and limitations under Vermont’s workers’ compensation system. For example, you must seek medical treatment from an authorized healthcare provider and follow their recommended course of treatment. Additionally, your employer (or their insurance carrier) has the right to request periodic examinations by a healthcare provider to ensure that your treatment is reasonable and necessary. 

Conclusion 

One of the benefits of workers’ compensation insurance is that it pays for any reasonable and essential medical costs associated with an illness or accident sustained on the job. It includes doctor’s visits, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any other treatments deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider.

It’s important to note that there may be limits on how much workers’ compensation will pay for medical expenses. Additionally, there may be time limits on when to file a claim for medical benefits after an injury or illness occurs. Working with a knowledgeable insurance company like Hull Maynard Hersey Insurance Agency is crucial because they can guide you through the confusing world of workers’ compensation insurance and make sure you have the coverage you require when you need it most.

FAQs

What is the Vermont workers’ compensation waiting period?

The Vermont workers’ compensation waiting period is when an injured worker must wait before receiving benefits. In Vermont, the waiting period is three calendar days. Workers who cannot work for less than three days due to work-related injuries will not receive benefits. However, if the worker is out of work for more than three days, they will receive benefits for the entire time they could not work.

What circumstances make a worker eligible for workers’ compensation coverage?

Workers’ compensation coverage benefits employees injured or ill due to work-related activities. To be eligible for coverage, the injury or illness must have occurred while the employee was performing duties related to their job. It can include accidents, repetitive motion injuries, or diseases caused by exposure to hazardous materials. 

Is Vermont’s workers’ compensation taxable?

Vermont’s workers’ compensation benefits are not generally taxable, but some exceptions exist. For example, if you receive Social Security disability benefits, some of your workers’ compensation benefits may be subject to taxes. Additionally, if you also receive unemployment benefits, your workers’ compensation benefits may impact the amount of taxes you owe. Speaking with a tax professional to understand your situation is essential.

How long, on average, do workers’ compensation settlements take?

Workers’ compensation settlements can vary in time, depending on the complexity of the case and the state in which the claim is filed. On average, settling can take several months to a year, but some patients may take longer if disputes or appeals occur.

How can I file for workers’ compensation in Vermont? 

If you have been injured on the job in Vermont, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. To file a claim, you must notify your employer, complete the necessary paperwork, and submit your claim to the Vermont Department of Labor. Act quickly and follow all the steps required to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

In Vermont, who are exempt employees?

Exempt employees in Vermont are exempt from overtime pay and specific labor laws under the Fair Labor Standards Act. These employees are typically salaried and perform executive, administrative, or professional duties.

About the Author

Jill Maynard-Nolan
President at Hull Maynard Hersey Insurance
Jill Maynard Nolan is the president of Hull Maynard Hersey Insurance. Jill has been in the insurance industry since 1991, following in her father’s footsteps - Hull Maynard. Jill and her team is dedicated to provide the customer service you need to feel comfortable and confident purchasing any type of insurance you might need.
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