A Guide to Medical Benefits After a Work Injury in Colorado
Learn what types of medical care are covered by workers’ comp and how to file a claim for benefits in Denver
Key points about medical benefits for work injuries in Colorado:
- Workers’ comp in Colorado covers medical treatment for job-related injuries and illnesses, so you shouldn’t have to use your own health insurance.
- The system is no-fault, meaning benefits are typically available whether the accident was your fault, your employer’s, or a co-worker’s—as long as it’s work-related.
- Covered care can include doctor visits, surgery, hospital stays, prescriptions, rehab, and even mileage reimbursement for approved travel.
- You must see an employer-approved doctor for treatment (except in emergencies), or the care may not be covered.
If you’ve been injured at work in Denver or developed an occupational illness because of your job, one of the first questions you probably have is: Who’s going to pay for my medical care?
In Colorado, workers’ compensation is supposed to cover the treatment you need to recover and get back on your feet. But the system isn’t always simple, and it can be challenging for workers to figure out what’s covered, how to access these benefits, and what to do if the insurance company denies their claims.
At Babcock Tucker, our goal is to make the workers’ comp process easier for injured workers throughout Colorado. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of getting medical benefits through workers’ comp and answer common questions.
If you have additional questions or need help with your claim, feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable Denver work injury lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Does workman’s comp cover medical expenses in Colorado?
Yes. Workers who are injured on the job in Colorado may qualify for a few different types of workers’ comp benefits, including medical benefits for healthcare-related expenses.
If you get hurt on the job or develop a work-related illness, workers’ comp will pay for the treatment you need without you having to use your own health insurance.
The system is “no-fault,” which means it doesn’t matter whether the accident was caused by you, your employer, or a co-worker. In most cases, you can still receive benefits as long as the injury or disease happened in the course of your job.
Most Colorado employees are covered automatically if their employer has workers’ comp insurance (which is required for almost all businesses). However, you must be an employee—not an independent contractor—to qualify.
What kind of medical treatment is covered by workers’ comp?
Under Colorado workers’ compensation, you’re entitled to all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work injury or illness. That includes much more than just your first trip to the ER.
Covered treatments can include:
- Doctor’s visits, hospital care, and surgeries
- Prescription medications and medical equipment, like braces or crutches
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
- Diagnostic testing such as X-rays, MRIs, and bloodwork
- Ongoing care if you develop a chronic condition or need long-term treatment
- Mileage reimbursement for approved travel to and from medical appointments
One important thing to be aware of is that you must see an employer-approved doctor for your medical treatment (unless it’s an emergency), or it won’t be covered under workers’ comp.
Will I get a bill for medical treatment while on workers’ comp?
No, you shouldn’t get a bill for approved medical treatment under Colorado workers’ comp. Your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company is responsible for paying your doctors directly, as long as the care is related to your work injury and provided by an authorized physician.
If you do receive a bill, it usually means there’s been a mistake or the treatment hasn’t been approved, so you should follow up with the workers’ comp insurer immediately.
What is a “medical only” workers’ comp claim?
A “medical only” workers’ comp claim is when your injury or illness requires medical treatment but doesn’t keep you out of work long enough to qualify for wage loss benefits. To receive temporary wage loss benefits in Colorado, a worker must be unable to work for at least 3 shifts.
So, a “medical only” workers’ comp claim usually means you need medical care—like doctor visits, medication, or physical therapy—but you are able to keep working or return to work quickly.
In these cases, the insurer covers your medical bills, but you don’t receive weekly wage replacement since you didn’t miss the required amount of work time.
How do I get my medical care covered by workers’ comp in Colorado?
To get your medical care covered by workers’ comp in Colorado, you’ll need to follow a few important steps:
- First, report your injury or the discovery of your occupational disease to your employer within 10 days. If you miss this deadline, you’ll likely lose your right to benefits.
- Next, get medical care right away. If it’s an emergency, go to the ER, but for ongoing treatment, you’ll need to see a doctor approved by your employer’s workers’ comp insurance. The medical records from these visits are critical because they will connect your injury or illness to your job.
- After you report the injury, your employer has 10 days to notify their insurance company. The insurer then has 20 days to review the case, so you should hear back within about 30 days.
- You’ll also need to officially file a workers’ comp claim by submitting form WC 15, “Worker’s Claim for Compensation,” to the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation. While you technically have up to 2 years, it’s best to file as soon as possible.
If your employer refuses to report your injury to their insurance company or the insurer denies your claim, don’t simply give up. A Denver workers’ compensation attorney can step in, guide you through the appeals process, and fight to get your medical treatment covered.
What happens to medical bills when a workers’ comp is denied?
If your workers’ comp claim is denied, the insurance company won’t cover your medical bills, which means they’ll usually be sent to you. Hospitals and doctors may start billing your health insurance instead, and you would be on the hook for any copays or out-of-pocket costs.
If you believe the denial was unfair, filing an appeal quickly is the best way to protect yourself from being stuck with expenses that should be covered by workers’ comp.
Need help getting medical benefits after a work injury in Colorado?
With decades of combined experience, the experienced Denver work injury attorneys at Babcock Tucker have built a reputation for standing up to insurance companies across Colorado that try to delay, deny, or downplay legitimate claims.
When you work with us, you don’t just get legal representation—you get a team that digs into the details, challenges unfair denials, and pushes for the full benefits you need to heal and move forward. From medical care to wage replacement and even death benefits for fatal work injuries, we’ll make sure nothing is left on the table.
Contact Babcock Tucker today for a free consultation and find out how we can help protect your health, your paycheck, and your future.
