Workers' Compensation
Purpose
Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault insurance that provides medical treatment and partial wage replacement for covered workers whose injury or illness arose out of and in the course of employment.
Eligibility
The employee or authorized volunteer is eligible the first day of work. Volunteers are not typically covered by Workers' Compensation. Volunteer work is evaluated on a case by case basis as to whether or not the volunteer will be protected by workers' compensation.
Reporting an Injury
- Seek appropriate medical attention – call an ambulance if necessary
- Contact University of Idaho Environmental Health and Safety as soon as possible: (208) 885-6524
- Promptly report the accident to your supervisor
- If time loss occurs, contact Benefit Services for further instructions
Compensation
In order to receive income benefits, the time lost from work must be authorized by your treating physician. Income benefits are payable if you are disabled from work more than 5 calendar days. Benefits are payable from the 6th day after disability unless you are hospitalized overnight or disability exceeds 14 days. Under these conditions, benefits are payable from the date of disability.
Policy and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers' Compensation Benefits
Failure to report an accident could jeopardize a claim for benefits. Report all accidents to your supervisor, regardless of its severity.
- If you are unable to work for 1-5 days, you would use your accrued sick or annual leave.
- If you are unable to work for 6-13 days, you will use your accrued sick or annual leave for days 1-5, and then Workers' Comp will provide income relief of 67% for days 6-13. You can use your accrued sick or annual leave to make up the difference.
- If you are unable to work for longer than 14 days, Workers' Comp will provide income relief of 67% from the first day you are unable to work. You can use your accrued sick or annual leave to make up the difference.
- If you are hospitalized on day one, Workers' Compensation will provied income relief of 67% from the first day you are unable to work. You can use your accrued sick or annual leave to make up the difference.
Inform your claims examiner if that is the case.
If the pharmacy requires payment, save the receipt so you can send it to the Idaho State Insurance Fund for reimbursement. Be sure to save copies for your records.
You must receive a referral from your treating physician or if you wish to change physicians, you can contact the Idaho State Insurance Fund at (800) 334-2370.
Yes, if additional medical information is needed to determine what benefits you are entitled to. You will receive a medical release to sign and return.
If you are absent for more than 5 days, it would be recommended that you apply for Family and Medical Leave protection. Please refer to the FMLA Policy.
No, however you may be eligible for Long-Term Disability benefits (if out for 6 months or longer). Payments are offset by Workers' Compensation income benefits.
Yes, you will be advised how many hours you can use when you are approved for Workers' Compensation benefits.