As a reminder, with the passage of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5190, new laws now apply to health care workers during public health emergencies involving infectious or contagious diseases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care workers who test positive for COVID-19 are presumed to have been exposed at work and are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim with the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). “Health care worker” refers to an individual who works at a health care facility, including dental offices, and is directly involved in the delivery of health services.

How Does This Impact Me as an Employee?

This means that employees who test positive for COVID-19 may be eligible for workers’ compensation medical and disability benefits. Employees who do not contract the disease but are required (by a medical provider or public health official) to quarantine due to an exposure may also be eligible for benefits. Qualified workers are eligible for medical, disability, and temporary wage replacement benefits. This presumptive coverage is effective as of Feb. 29, 2020, when Governor Inslee declared a state of emergency.

Employees can learn how to file a claim at Lni.wa.gov/PresumptiveCovidCoverage.

How Does This Impact Me as an Employer?

The costs of these types of workers’ compensation claims will not be included when calculating experience rates of employers. Employers can help by sharing presumptive COVID-19 coverage information with your staff and peers.

Learn More

Visit Lni.wa.gov/PresumptiveCovidCoverage to learn more from L&I about frontline workers, filing a claim, benefits and other FAQs.

Questions?

For any questions, please email L&I directly at HELSA@Lni.wa.gov.