Workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage for lost wages and medical treatment for workers who become sick or injured because of their jobs. All Oregon employers that have at least one employee must have workers’ compensation insurance or self-insure. These are three frequently asked questions about Oregon workers’ compensation insurance.
1. Who Pays for Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Employers pay the premiums for workers’ compensation policies. Those premiums are used by insurance companies to pay for medical care under workers compensation Oregon, lost wages, and other benefits received by injured or ill workers.
2. How Do Employees File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Employees who have been injured or suffered an illness related to their work can file a claim by completing the Report of a Job Injury or Illness Form 801 from their employers or the Worker’s and Physician’s Report for Workers’ Compensation Form 827 from their doctors. The employer or doctor will then send the form to the insurance company. Employers must notify their insurance company within five days of the date they first learn about the claim. Employers may not prevent workers from filing a claim and should offer the form even if the employee does not want to file a claim.
3. Can Employers Choose Which Doctor Employees Use?
Employers cannot tell employees which doctors to use. Even when the employee is enrolled in a managed care organization, the employee can still choose the medical provider to use.
4. How Long Does the Insurance Company Have to Make a Decision?
The insurance company must either accept or deny a claim within 60 days. If the claim is denied, the insurer must send a letter to the employee explaining why.
Workers’ compensation insurance can sometimes be difficult to understand. Employees who have questions or concerns may want to consult a workers’ compensation attorney.
