The workers’ compensation plans that provide coverage to federal government employees are the Federal Employees’ Compensation Program, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program, the Federal Black Lung Program, and the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program.
States provide two types of workers’ compensation benefits. One pays the worker’s medical expenses that result from work-related illness or injury, and the other pays for lost wages while the worker is unable to return to work.
For an injury to be covered under a workers’ compensation plan, it must (a) result in personal injury or death, (b) occur by accident, (c) arise out of employment, and (d) occur during the course of employment.
Work-related injuries are classified as (a) injury without disability, (b) injury with temporary disability, (c) injury with permanent disability, (d) injury requiring vocational rehabilitation, and (e) injury resulting in death.
The physician of record in a workers’ compensation case is responsible for treating the injured worker, determining the percentage of disability, determining the return-to-work date, and filing progress notes.
Workers’ compensation insurance pays an employee’s medical bills that result from a jobrelated injury; disability compensation programs do not pay medical expenses. Workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage for illnesses and injuries that are job-related. Most disability compensation programs provide benefits for injuries or illnesses that are not work-related.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides compensation for lost wages to individuals who have contributed to Social Security through FICA payroll taxes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a welfare program that provides financial assistance to individuals in need, including aged, blind, and disabled individuals.
