Section 7-3 - Medical and Hospital Care (a) Health Care Benefits. - (i) Workers with injuries compensable under the Act shall be provided reasonable and necessary health care benefits as a result of such injuries.
- (ii) Change of Health Care Provider. A worker wishing to change treating health care providers while under treatment shall file a written request with the Division, stating all reasons for the change and the name of the intended new treating health-care provider. The Division shall send notice of the change to the employer, the worker, and the current and intended new treating health care providers.
- (iii) Medical Reimbursement to Injured Worker. Requests for reimbursement may be submitted to the Division by an injured worker for expense paid out-of-pocket for medical service(s) deemed reasonable, necessary and directly related to his work-related injury on a form provided by the Division.
- (A) Requests for reimbursement will be considered only if the original receipt, which must be itemized, displays the transaction date, and substantiates proof of payment, is submitted with the Division's form.
- (B) The Division may reimburse an injured worker 100% for the initial expense including taxes, paid out-of-pocket for prescribed medical service, prescribed drug or supply required to treat a compensable injury, when the service, drug or supply had been provided prior to the Division's notifying the injured worker of the case number assigned to his reported injury. The Division will not reimburse an injured worker for insurance co-pays or deductibles.
- (C) Expenses incurred by an injured worker for over-the- counter (OTC) medication or medical supplies prescribed or recommended by the treating health care provider will be reimbursed at 100% of the purchase price, including taxes.
- (iv) Travel Reimbursement. Reimbursement for travel necessary to obtain the closest available medical or hospital care needed by the employee will be payable at the rates provided for state employees in the rules and regulations of the State Auditor. W.S. § 27 - 14 - 401(d)(iii).
- (A) Reimbursement for mileage will be based on map mileage from city to city and travel within the community of residence will only be paid if the distance exceeds ten miles one way.
- (B) Requests for reimbursement of meal, lodging, bus, air travel, cab, train, parking, and other travel expenses must be accompanied by the original receipt. Reimbursement will not be paid for car rental expenses under any circumstances.
- (C) Reimbursement for meals shall be paid as provided for state employees in the rules and regulations of the State Auditor.
- (D) Unless medically necessary, there shall be no reimbursement for the travel and associated expenses incurred by other persons or for phone charges incurred during such travel. Necessity for accompanied travel should be reflected in the documentation provided from the health care provider.
- (E) Reimbursement for travel will be considered only if filed on the appropriate form provided by the Division.
- (F) Claims for reimbursement shall be submitted to the Division within one (1) year from the date travel or other expenses were incurred.