There are so many questions that our current conditions present. When can we leave our homes, provided we are wearing masks? How much of our work can we complete from home?
How Does COVID-19 Affect Workers Compensation Claims?
Here are a few of those questions, and answers from the BWC, as of early May of 2020.
Q: If I contract COVID-19 on the job, can I file a workers’ comp claim for it?
A: It depends on how you contract it and the nature of your occupation. Generally, communicable diseases like COVID-19 are not workers’ compensation claims because people are exposed in a variety of ways, and few jobs have a hazard or risk getting the diseases in a greater degree or a different manner than the general public. However, if you work in a job that poses a special hazard or risk and contract COVID-19 from work exposure, BWC could allow your claim.
Q: If I am quarantined due to COVID-19 can I receive workers’ compensation wage replacement benefits?
A: BWC can only pay compensation in an allowed claim for disability resulting from the allowed conditions. An executive order issued by Governor DeWine, however, expands flexibility for Ohioans to receive unemployment benefits during Ohio’s emergency declaration period. For more information on unemployment benefits go to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Q: Is the Ohio BWC making determinations on new claims?
A: Yes. The BWC staff will be teleworking, and they have access to their systems.
Q: How will my benefits be extended when my doctor’s office is closed, and they haven’t completed my Medco-14?
A: Ohio BWC and the Managed Care Organizations are working with physicians to ensure medical care and any necessary paperwork are completed so that benefits can continue uninterrupted. You may want to check with your treating provider to determine if telemedicine is available. Telemedicine can be an effective treatment tool and can be used when a new MEDCO-14 is needed.
Q: Will my benefits be extended if I am participating in a rehab program?
A: Ohio BWC is working with the vocational rehabilitation providers to ensure that those injured workers who are participating in a rehab program have the necessary documentation submitted to continue benefits.
Q: Will my wage loss benefits be discontinued if I’m unable to complete the job searches?
A: Ohio BWC will be working with injured workers to complete online job searches. Information about job postings is also available on the JobSearch.Ohio.gov website. Ohio BWC encourages individuals who have been affected by COVID-19 to visit the website and apply for a position. Job search activities could also include the injured worker submitting resumes, taking online interviewing or resume tutorials, or working on sharpening their interview skills.
Q: Will I be able to speak with my claim representative?
A: If you are represented by an attorney, call your attorney first. Staff will be monitoring voicemail on a limited basis, but the most efficient method of communication will be email messaging. The email address for your claims service specialist (CSS) can be found at the bottom of any correspondence you have previously received. For general questions, you can also call the Ohio BWC call center at 1-800-OHIOBWC.