How to Help Frustrated Injured Workers’ OUT of Work Comp System…And Save Money Settling Tough Claims

Imagine a scenario where an injured worker who’s been receiving workers’ compensation benefits for years and shown no interest in settling the claim is suddenly willing and even happy to do so, and both he and the payer are pleased with the agreement. The payer gets the long-term claim off the books, and the injured worker has someone guiding him through the medical system while helping to manage his money long after the settlement is reached. Both parties save money in the process.

This panacea is not only possible, it is happening; and at no extra cost to the payer or injured worker. Professional administration is enabling an increasing number of settlements to occur and leaving all parties feeling grateful with the results. Professional administration organizations that have a solid background in all aspects of workers’ compensation are becoming the answer to the frustrations faced by long term injured workers.

The concept of professional administration is not necessarily new in the workers’ compensation industry, but until recently it was generally cost prohibitive for many organizations. Recently that has changed, as newer entrants have found ways to save money for all concerned.

The way it now works is simple and effective:

Those with the appropriate competence are able to offer significant discounts to injured workers through their networks of medical providers and pharmaceuticals.
They function much as an engaged claims adjuster would in terms of helping the injured worker find the best providers.
However, the injured worker’s care is not subject to utilization review.
The professional administer also helps the injured worker manage his settlement money, whether lump sum or structured, and can ensure injured workers receiving Medicare are compliant with government reporting requirements.

Overcoming Frustrations

Professional administration can work well for any injured worker with a long-standing claim but is especially advantageous for those exasperated with the system;

Tired of Utilization Review denials.
Required to drive many miles from home to see an approved physician – whom she may not like.
Attorney has abandon the injured worker as she has already settled the indemnity portion of claim.
The idea of settling the medical portion of claim makes her even more anxious, as she is afraid she will ultimately run out of money.

Such stories are fairly commonplace in the workers’ compensation system. Injured workers who have been in the system for a long time are afraid of the unknown, post-settlement scenario and are therefore willing to continue receiving benefits indefinitely.

Professional administrators can be invaluable in helping to reach a settlement and after the agreement is set.

Pre-Settlement

Among the many concerns of long term injured workers facing a potential settlement are the financial unknowns; how much will various treatments and medications cost, now and in the future? What if unexpected complications arise – will there be enough money to treat them? What if durable medical equipment becomes necessary – is there enough for that? Is the settlement money enough to ensure living expenses can be covered for the long term? Who should manage the money?

More concerns are present when the injured worker is receiving Medicare:

What medical services should be funded through Medicare?
What if Medicare is mistakenly billed for a treatment the injured worker should have covered?
How, when and where are the Medicare reporting requirements handled?
What if they are reported improperly?

It’s easy to see why many injured workers would be leery of settling their workers’ compensation claims. A professional administrator can price out the prescriptions and treatments and show the injured worker an accurate picture of the costs, especially when network discounts are included. Competent organizations get involved with all parties to the claim before a settlement to reach the best solution for all concerned.

Post-Settlement

Typically, there is no help for an injured worker after a settlement is reached. Those with extensive and expensive medical needs and/or those not comfortable managing the settlement money feel lost.

With a professional administrator involved, the injured worker has full control over choice of providers, and an expert helping to manage the settlement funds.
In addition to discounts for medications and providers in the network, there may be a 24-hour/7-day-a-week phone line available to discuss care issues.

Because of the savings associated with a professional administrator, injured workers often have money available for things such as a child’s education, starting a new business, or taking an exciting trip. Above all, they have peace of mind about the future.

Michael Stack - Amaxx

Author Michael Stack, Principal, Amaxx LLC. He is an expert in workers compensation cost containment systems and helps employers reduce their work comp costs by 20% to 50%. He works as a consultant to large and mid-market clients, is co-author of Your Ultimate Guide To Mastering Workers Comp Costs, a comprehensive step-by-step manual of cost containment strategies based on hands-on field experience, and is founder & lead trainer of Amaxx Workers’ Comp Training Center. .

Contact: [email protected].

Workers’ Comp Roundup Blog: https://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker, attorney, or qualified professional.