Whether it’s the State or Federal government, when budget impasses happen, operations grind to a halt. Or, at least, move more slowly than usual. When that happens, you may be wondering what happens to your workers’ compensation claim. Will a pending claim be processed? Can you file a new claim? What happens to outstanding medical bills?
The impact of a shutdown on L&I can be far-reaching, but only when it’s Washington State. When the federal government shuts down, the impact on L&I is minimal, but that doesn’t mean you won’t notice. Here’s everything you need to know about the impact of a government shutdown on L&I and what you should do about your workers’ compensation claim.
What Happens to L&I Claims If the Washington State Government Shuts Down?
The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) explicitly states that a government shutdown would affect some of its services, including certain functions related to workers’ compensation claims. In general, if the Washington State government shuts down, Labor and Industries will not:
- Review or process any new workers’ compensation claims
- Pay existing claims that were suspended before the shutdown started
- Review suspended claims
- Provide referrals for catastrophic care or vocational services
- Process Stay at Work reimbursements
During a state government shutdown, your medical provider will also be impacted, which may affect your medical care and treatment. During the State shutdown, L&I will not:
- Process new claims from healthcare providers
- Pay provider bills that require a staff review
- Answer questions about coding, billing, or treatment options
- Provide billing workshops
Labor and Industries may or may not authorize elective medical care. However, as long as your medical provider agrees to retroactive approval and payment after the shutdown ends, you can receive that care.
While many services are suspended during a state government shutdown, not all are. Labor and Industries will:
- Allow injured workers to get their first prescription if they have a claim number from a healthcare provider
- Pay existing time-loss and pension payments, provided they don’t require staff review
- Pay provider bills for active claims
One final thing to be aware of. While L&I’s online services will be available during a shutdown, if something happens and those services are interrupted or unavailable, they will remain offline until the shutdown is over.
>>MORE: Have more questions about L&I? Read our FAQs.
What Should I Do About My Worker’s Comp Claim During a Shutdown?
If Washington State government shuts down and you haven’t filed your workers’ compensation claim, there’s no reason to wait until the shutdown ends to take action. Assuming the website is still functioning, you can submit your claim or appeal online. It just won’t be reviewed or processed until the shutdown ends. You can and should:
- Gather the medical records or doctor’s notes that support your claim
- Continue seeing your doctor to receive the healthcare and treatment you need
- Keep track of approaching deadlines and how they may change due to the shutdown
The same is true if you’re in the middle of a workers’ compensation claim and L&I has requested additional information from you. Submit it to the portal as soon as it’s ready to ensure you don’t miss any critical or time-sensitive deadlines.
>>MORE: Have more questions about workers’ compensation? Read our FAQs.
What Happens to L&I Claims During a Federal Government Shutdown?
While the Department of Labor (DOL) oversees unemployment and workers’ comp benefits for federal employees, they have nothing to do with L&I benefits in Washington State. That program is entirely funded by Washington employers and managed by the State. Therefore, a federal government shutdown should have no impact on your workers’ compensation claim.
However, the federal government manages social security disability benefits (SSDI), and a shutdown could impact your claim. You’ll still be able to file a new claim or appeal, but the process will likely take much longer than normal. Payments should not be impacted, as those are mandatory expenses that are not dependent on a government budget.
Walthew Law Firm Can Help
Filing a workers’ compensation claim should be a straightforward process, but even when the government is open for business, that’s not always the case. Paperwork gets lost, claim managers can make mistakes, and you may not get everything you’re entitled to.
Walthew Law Firm has over 90 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured workers. We understand how L&I works and know what to do to ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation and learn how we’ll put our decades of experience to work for you.