Are there any reimbursements in Compensation?

Reimbursement for causally related prescription costs and mileage are available subject to limitations found in the WCL, WCB rules and case law. At the time of this writing,  mileage reimbursements are payable at 55.5 cents a mile.  Mileage reimbursement rates have changed over time and are controlled by the date of the service as documented in the rules and regulations of the WCL. You are permitted to receive such reimbursements for traveling to and from those health providers handling your case as well as for transportation costs associated with examinations conducted and set up by insurance companies monitoring your case. Transportation costs to and from the court or your attorney are not reimbursable.

Covered medical prescription costs may be reimbursable if you comply with the procedures set out in the act but primarily must be documented as "medically necessary".  Such products and devices must be requested by your health provider and are subject to challenge if not medically necessary. Routine procedures are detailed in the Medical Treatment Guidelines, WCL and WCB rules and regulations as well as procedures for obtaining such services but,  may be reimbursable  if approved by the insurance provider in advance or after board direction.

Health provider are not permitted to charge and receive payments for causally related medical services from workers' compensation claimants. If any such payment is made,  the payment is not reimbursable. If such a payment is made for a compensable claim, it is illegal and not enforceable.

If your employer has made advance payments for causally related care,  reimbursements can be directed by the WCB.  In addition, various payments made under contract or state law in certain circumstances and subject to contract documents may also be reimbursable to the entity making the payment. If a non-employer and non co-employee is negligent and the cause of the injury; then they could be found to be ultimately liable for all compensation costs in the case subject to the amounts contained in the negligent or malpractice action. This is known as a third party case. As such, the negligent party and its insurance provider can be compelled to reimburse the workers' compensation provider who has already paid or create a credit to the benefit of the compensation provider to future obligations equal to the amounts contained in the third party case subject to case law regarding apportionment issues. Detailed discussion on these issues are contained in the "Kelly" and "Burns" cases and their progeny. ( See standard disclaimer as noted below.)


Eliot S. Levine & Associates
Attorneys at Law
1455 Veterans Highway
Hauppauge, New York  11749
Telephone: (631) 234-5484
Fax: (631) 234-5561
Email: e.levine@redsail2.com
www.LongIslandWorkers.com
DISCLAIMER