Getting Paid for Your Out-Of-Pocket Expenses in a Timely Manner

In addition to paying injured employees a percentage of their lost wages, worker’s compensation insurance may also cover other benefits that help workers rehabilitate and retrain after an accident occurs. However, employees must cover certain expenses out-of-pocket and then file for reimbursement. To ensure that they receive repayment in a timely manner, workers must keep adequate records that can serve as proof of their claims.

Keep Medical Receipts

Retain copies of any and all medical documents that are related to the workplace injury, including prescription and alternative therapy receipts (i.e. chiropractic treatments). Employees must also keep invoices and receipts that they receive during doctor and specialists visits. All receipts should be stamped or feature detailed contact information, in the event that the worker’s compensation board chooses to verify the amounts. Workers should also keep all documents that are issued by physicians, such as visit summaries and prescription guidelines, especially if the item verifies the need for medical specific therapies or treatments.

Log Mileage to/from Doctor Visits

In some instances, employees can also claim travel expenses for going to and from doctor and specialists appointments. Keep a log that tracks the mileage for every trip, including the total distance and the origin and destination points. It is important to note that this log will be audited. As such, it is essential to back everything up in writing. If possible, save all gas receipts that feature the time and date, and attach them to the mileage log to show the total spent on gas for each trip.

Provide Rehabilitation Documents

In addition to doctor expenses, injured workers may also be able to claim their out-of-pocket rehabilitation costs. Examples of this include physical therapy appointments and retraining to improve skills or talents that are diminished due to the injury. Mental rehabilitation may also fall under this category, such as counselor appointments. Keep all receipts and invoices, as well as any and all documents that back up the claim. If a receipt is handwritten, ensure that it is on professional letterhead and that it contains contact information.

If worker’s compensation has denied a claim in error or refused reimbursement for an expense that an employee believes is valid, injured workers can speak with an experienced legal professional to verify if they do, in fact, qualify for repayment. This also applies to delayed reimbursements that have been pending for an extended period of time.