OVERVIEW

Workers Compensation coverage is provided for COUNTY employees who may suffer from a work related injury or illness. The program is self-insured and is administered by the Risk Management department.

Benefits under Workers' Compensation are set by the State of Idaho and goverened by the Idaho Industrial Commission.

The Idaho Workers Compensation Law was established in 1917 to provide quick payments to employees and their families as a result of a work related injury or illness. All workers compensation laws are no fault. It took away the burden of proving fault or negligence on the part of the employer or employee and became the exclusive remedy for both the employer and injured worker. Benefits for workers compensation begin on the first day of employment.

CLAIMS PROCESS

In order for Ada County to properly process Workers Compensation Insurance Claims for work related injuries, the following procedures shall be adhered to

• Immediately notify your supervisor of the injury and obtain a Ada County Incident Report Form.
• Immediately seek medical attention if necessary.
• Complete the Ada County Incident Report Form and fax to Risk Management within 24 hours at 287-7129.
• Notify your supervisor of any time lost from work due to injury or illness.
• Notify your supervisor upon returning to work.
• If you have questions regarding your Workers Compensation claim, please contact Kelly Hove in the Risk Management Office at 287-7133.
• If the employee is unable to complete the Ada County Incident form for any reason, the supervisor is obligated to complete the paperwork for the employee and submit it to Risk Management within 24 hours.
• Disability benefits will begin on the sixth (6) day following disability from work (time loss) unless the injured worker is hospitalized overnight or time loss exceeds 14 days. The first 5 days is a waiting period and no income benefits are allowed or paid.
  

LEAVE POLICY

Ada County has adopted a policy that Workers Compensation and Family Medical Leave (FMLA) shall run concurrently. Employees are required to exhaust sick leave, vacation, and compensatory time off prior to taking unpaid FMLA leave. This requirement shall not apply to employees while receiving Workers' Compensation benefits. An employee must use sick/vacation or comp time during the five day waiting period for workers' compensation income benefits. Employees may not use sick/vacation or comp time while receiving workers compensation income benefits.

WHEN SHOULD A CLAIM BE FILED

A Notice of Injury and Claim for Benefits Form must be filed when any of the following circumstances exist:

• A work-related injury results in the need for medical treatment by an attending physician.
• A worker has missed more than one day of work as the result of a work-related injury or illness.
• Whenever an injured worker requests to file a claim under Workers Compensation regardless of the circumstances.

NOTE: Filing a Notice of Injury and Claim for Benefits Form is not an admission of liability.

LIGHT DUTY

If injured workers cannot return to their usual job responsibilities, light work or modified work should be identified to return them to the work force as soon as possible. Job modification can be accomplished through the efforts of rehabilitation consultants working with the employer and the physician. Upon request, Ada County will make reasonable accommodations to return the employee to work depending on physical restrictions and the essential functions of the job.

MEDICAL BENEFITS

Workers compensation pays the following medical benefits:

• All medical, surgical, hospital and nursing care reasonably necessary for treatment and rehabilitation, including prescribed medications.
• Crutches and apparatus prescribed by the attending physician that may be needed for a reasonable time.
• Necessary replacement or repair of appliances or prosthesis unless the need is due to lack of proper care by the claimant.
• Reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses for the purpose of medical examination or treatment.

Note: Ada County does not pay more than the usual and customary fees. If your bill is paid and the medical provider bills you for the balance, please notify us as soon as possible.