Health Insurance

My employer denied my workers' compensation claim, but I still have injuries that prevent me from returning to truck driving. How can I get further medical treatment?

The first option is to submit medical bills to your personal health insurance or employee group plan, if applicable. While workers' compensation is the primary payer, once a formal denial is received from workers' compensation, health insurance should pick up coverage. If you are married, contact your spouses' health insurance carrier to see if they will cover your treatment. If you are a veteran, contact your local VA to determine whether you have medical benefits. If none of these options work, contact your state department of Health and Human Services to determine if there is any state aid available to assist you in your situation. It will also likely be necessary to file a workers' compensation petition to determine your entitlement to medical and/or indemnity benefits.

I am currently not trucking due to a work injury, and workers' compensation is covering all of my medical bills. My employer has offered me COBRA, should I take it?

If you are off of work for a work injury for an extended period of time, many employers, after a certain date, will deem you a voluntary quit status (or other similar wording), so that they are not obligated to continue your employment benefits. COBRA allows you to continue you health insurance coverage, even after your employer has discontinued paying for it. While the COBRA premiums can be very expensive, we typically advise clients to continue to pay for health insurance through COBRA, if at all possible, so that they and their families are protected.

IMPORTANT - This is not a substitute for legal advice. Please see Disclaimer.