MN Workers Compensation Medical Bills

Injured workers in Minnesota have the unquestionable right to seek medical treatment and to have those bills paid for by their employer or their employer’s insurance company. Unfortunately, it is not always that simple when dealing with a workers compensation insurance company.

Like all types of workers compensation benefits, medical benefits are not paid unconditionally. Upon being injured at work medical benefits are available for life, as long as the treatment pertains to the work injury, and as long as it is reasonable and necessary to cure or relieve the conditions caused by those injuries. However, there are countless rules and limitations on the types of treatment you may receive, by whom, and for how long. It is extremely important that these rules are considered before undergoing any appointment, procedure, or test, so that you are not stuck with the resulting bill. If you have questions regarding the medical treatment you need for your work injury contact us at one of our Twin Cities offices.

Reasonable and Necessary

Often time injured workers are dealing with medical bills that are piling up, co-pays, and difficulties getting prescriptions filled. As long as your treatment is reasonable and necessary to cure or relieve the condition caused by your work injury, these things should be paid. The reasonable and necessary language is sufficiently vague to leave the employer and insurer a lot of wiggle room. This often leads to a lot of resistence from the employer/insurer and can lead to delays and disputes. The earlier an attorney is involved with your case, the easier it will be to address these issues. Contact us today at oune of our Twin Cities offices to discuss your case for free.

Pre-Existing Conditions

It is not unusual for an injured worker to have a pre-existing condition that is aggravated by a work injury. Many times an insurance company or employer will use this as an excuse to deny a claim. However, even if you have a pre-existing condition you may have a right to medical benefits in Minnesota. As long as the work injury temporarily or permanently aggravated or accelerated your pre-existing condition you have a right to benefits. If you are uncertain as to whether your injury is compensable you should always seek a free consultation with a licensed Minnesota workers compensation attorney to evaluate your claim.

Reimbursement

It is not unusual for an injured work to also carry private health insurance. If the workers compensation insurer has denied payment of a bill, you may submit that bill to your private health insurance. They are then required by law to pay that bill. While you may be temporarily responsible for any co-pay, you have the right to pursue a claim against the workers compensation insurer to reimburse your co-pay and your health insurer.

All injured workers should keep track of any mileage to and from medical appointments. This mileage should be reimbursed by the workers compensation insurer.

For more information about the medical benefits you deserve relating to your work injury in Minnesota, call us today to set up a free consultation. For our office in the Minneapolis suburb of Edina, call 952-921-5890. To reach a work comp lawyer at our office in the St. Paul suburb of Maplewood, MN, call 651-777-1811.