Does Workers' Comp Cover Medical Costs?

Paying for Medical Under Workers' Compensation

The employer and workers’ compensation insurer should pay for the cost of all reasonable and necessary health care treatment related to your work injury, including the following:

• Psychological
• Chiropractic
• Physical therapy
• Podiatric
• Surgical
• Hospital treatment

Injured workers can and should choose their own healthcare provider with very few exceptions that do not apply to most employees injured at work. In the majority of cases, your employer cannot make you seek treatment with their preferred providers. 

What You Need to Know

• You have 60 days from the start of medical treatment for the injury to change your treating provider without the need for approval from the workers’ compensation insurance company. 
• The insurance company can designate a pharmacy within 15 miles of your home. 
• You must give your healthcare provider the workers’ compensation billing information to avoid having your insurer cover costs for workers’ compensation treatment.
• Providing your insurer the workers’ compensation billing information can also help prevent delays in payments, unnecessary collections, etc. 

Keeping Track of Medical Expenses

• Keep track of the mileage you incur driving to and from your appointments for related medical care for the work injury. 
• You should be paid the IRS business rate in effect at the time of coverage.
• You should also be reimbursed for parking expenses as long as you have receipts. 
• Injured workers have a right to request a second opinion for any surgery that is not an emergency.

Limitations & Restrictions In Coverage

Certain types of medical care are limited by the Minnesota Treatment Parameters, including chiropractic care, which is typically limited to 12 weeks of treatment. 

Treatment by unlicensed complementary and alternative health care providers is not paid. Long-term treatment with opioid medication is subject to strict rules and regulations under these same parameters.  

Additional Coverage

Your employer is responsible for providing, replacing, or repairing any medical equipment that is considered compensable as a result of the work injury including, but not limited, to:

• Artificial members
• Glasses, dentures
• Hearing aids
• Canes
• Crutches
• Wheelchairs

Home modifications and nursing services are also available in certain circumstances.

Mental Health Coverage

If your work-related physical injury caused, aggravated, or accelerated a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, etc., you may also be entitled to medical benefits for treatment related to these conditions.

Ensuring you receive the workers’ compensation benefits to which you’re entitled is a complicated process. With our extensive experience in representing workers injured in Minnesota and a proven track record of success, we can guide you through the complex process of work injury claims.