Are Prescription Drugs Covered by California’s Worker Compensation Insurance? 

Under California Labor Code Section 3700, all California employers must provide employees with worker’s compensation benefits. One benefit that must be provided to employees who have been hurt on the job is medical care. After a damaging workplace accident, employees may require costly medical treatment, including the need for prescription drugs.

KCNS Law Group is a team of California worker’s compensation lawyers with experience helping clients get the proper compensation for their workplace accidents. If you need prescription medication to help heal after a workplace injury, you may be surprised to learn that while prescription drugs are covered by California worker compensation insurance, there are times when the medication can be denied. 

Does California Workers Compensation Cover Prescription Drugs?

When workers are hurt on the job, they may require prescription drugs to help them through the recovery process. These prescription drugs can be costly if not covered by insurance. While worker’s compensation insurance will cover prescription drugs, they can also be denied. When a doctor prescribes a worker prescription medication, the prescription must be placed on a “request for authorization” or RFA. The request for approval will be reviewed by the insurance carrier provided by the worker’s employer. Depending on a utilization review process, the insurance carrier will review the prescription and accept or deny the RFA. If the insurance carrier denies the prescription medication, they may submit an appeal. If you have been denied coverage for prescription medication by your worker’s compensation insurance, an experienced California worker’s compensation lawyer may be able to help with your appeal. 

What are Common Workers Compensation Injuries?

While the workplace should be a safe space for employees, accidents can happen when least expected. Whether you work at a construction site or an office building if an accident leaves you injured and in need of prescription drugs, you should report the accident to your employer to get worker’s compensation benefits. Some common workers compensation injuries include:

• Overexertion: This injury occurs when an employee pushes, lifts, or pulls something too heavy for them. These injuries can be severe and should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible. 
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: A slippery floor without a caution sign may not seem too dangerous, but obstacles like these can result in a slip, trip, or fall at the workplace. These accidents can result in severe injuries like a concussion, broken bones, or back injuries. 
• Struck By or Against Something: If you are struck by or against an object such as heavy machinery or a vehicle, you may be severely injured and should seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

If you have been involved in a workplace accident, you will have 30 days from the date of the accident to report the incident from your employer. It is crucial that you do not try to push past your injuries and get the medical care you need by utilizing the worker’s compensation benefits available to you. 

Contact a California Workers Compensation Lawyer

Prescription drugs can be costly, especially when taking them for long durations to help heal an injury. If you need prescription drugs after a workplace accident left you injured and your request for approval was denied, reach out to a California workers compensation lawyer who may be able to help you with your appeal. 

KCNS Law Group has over 40 years of combined experience helping California workers receive the worker’s compensation benefits they are owed. We are proud to provide our clients with the award-winning service they deserve as we help them through this difficult time. To set up a free consultation, contact us here or call (877) 513-9007.