Benefits of Workers' Compensation in New York

Recovery of Medical and Travel Expenses

Reimbursement for mileage is payable for travel to and from health service providers for treatment, to and from insurance company consultant examinations, and to and from diagnostic tests and therapies, as well as for any out-of-pocket medical expenditures approved. It is important to note a few points on reimbursement for travel and out-of-pocket medical expenditures.

First, while the Workers' Compensation Law does allow for reimbursement, the language does not place a time limit on the insurance carrier relative to when they must address the request. Claimants are often frustrated by the extended periods some encounter before being reimbursed. Our office will work with you and the insurance carrier to expedite reimbursement, when requested.

Second, it is helpful to remember that an insurance carrier is not required to reimburse for trips where there are no medical reports received for the date of service. It is always a good idea to request that your treating medical provider file their reports not only with the insurance carrier but also with the Workers' Compensation Board. This creates a record of your visits in your electronic case file at the Board and can be referenced in any request for a hearing on the issue.

Third, most insurance carriers provide prescription cards or otherwise provide for direct billing. Alternatively, payments for prescribed medications and prescriptive devices may be submitted to the Workers' Compensation insurance carrier for reimbursement.

It is essential to keep receipts for all out-of-pocket expenses, including parking and tolls, associated with obtaining medical care for submission and reimbursement. While reimbursement is payable for approved out-of-pocket expenses related to your medical care, most insurance carriers will accept only original receipts for these type of expenditures. Please submit original receipts with all reimbursement requests being sure to keep a copy for your records.

Finally, requests for reimbursement should be submitted on a regular basis, preferably monthly, rather than waiting to submit a reimbursement request that covers a long period of time. The reason for this is simple. It is much easier and quicker for an insurance adjuster to confirm the receipt of medical reports for dates of service claimed when they are in more manageable chunks. Often extensive requests covering long periods of time get put at the bottom of the pile due to the long period of time it takes to match up the multiple dates requested with the medical records.

Over 185 Years of Collective Experience

Here at Kirk & Teff, LLP, we continue to diligently serve injured Hudson Valley workers and their families. With over 185 years of collective experience we are committed to protecting the rights of injured workers. We know that it can be difficult to recover workers' comp benefits in some cases and we can assist you if your claim has been wrongfully denied. When complex issues arise with your workers' compensation coverage, then our Capital District workers' compensation attorneys can step in and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call for a free consultation today to learn more about the benefits of workers' compensation. Contact our firm for assertive legal advocacy in your workers' comp case.