Not all workers’ compensation coverages are identical. Factors like industry-specific risks and employer claims history can affect your coverage term and benefits. In states like Ohio that don’t allow private brokers, agencies like the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) offer state-specific workers’ comp programs that recognize these differences.
Knowing the types of coverage the state offers can help you determine if your employer has obtained a policy that can sufficiently cover expenses related to injuries or illnesses associated with your line of work.
Standard benefits
An Ohio workers’ compensation coverage begins when an employer:
- Submits its application to the BWC
- Pays the $120 nonrefundable application fee
The standard policy generally provides the following for employees with work-related injuries or illnesses:
- Present and future medical expenditures
- Temporary total disability benefits
- Permanent partial or total disability benefits
- Lost wages
- Death benefits and funerary expenses
Ohio state law requires employers to carry workers’ compensation coverage for all employees, even those working out of state. While independent contractors don’t qualify for the coverage, they may purchase it. Contractors may also want to double-check to ensure they don’t count as employees under the law.
Types of coverage
The BWC offers other coverage types besides the standard private-employer coverage, depending on your duties. These include:
- Coal mine operators’ coverage: The Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act requires coal mine operators to carry this type of coverage, known as Black Lung coverage. Employees who engage in coal mine construction, maintenance and transportation qualify.
- Longshore and harbor workers’ coverage: Under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, marine industry employers must carry this for employees who work, in whole or in part, upon navigable waters. This definition includes pier, wharf, dry dock, terminal, building way, marine railway and other adjoining areas often used for marine vessels. While mandatory for some marine industry employers, the U.S. Department of Labor does allow specific employers to self-insure.
- Domestic coverage: Household employees with duties such as housekeeping, gardening, cooking and babysitting are entitled to this coverage if their employer pays $160 or more in any calendar quarter.
- Elective coverage: Church ministers, owners of limited liability companies acting as sole proprietors or partnerships, corporation sole-owners and family farm corporate officers are eligible for this coverage.
- Volunteer coverage: Public employers must cover volunteers who perform emergency service duties, such as firefighters, auxiliary police officers and medical technicians.
Protect your right to just workers’ compensation by keeping informed about the various policies offered by the state. If you suspect your employer isn’t meeting the legal requirement, consulting a workers’ compensation attorney is advisable.