Claims Kit

The Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency (Agency) has started tracking COVID-19 related claims. To ensure all COVID-19 claims are tracked properly, the Agency has created a new injury code. The Agency asks when filing a form WC-100 and/or WC-701, specific wording be used when the claim is related to COVID-19. See below for instructions regarding how to file a COVID-19 related claim:

Form WC-100:

All lines except Section III line 37, 38 and 39 should be filled out as usual. Section III. Injury/Medical Data: Line 37 should clearly state the cause of injury is related to a COVID-19 illness. Line 38, Nature of Injury, use code “083” or “COVID-19”. Line 39, Body Part Affected, use code “850” or “Lungs.”

Form WC-701:

All lines except Part B, line 25 and 26 should be filled out as usual. Part B: Line 25, Nature of Injury, use code “083” or “COVID-19”. Line 26, Part of Body, use code “850” or “Lungs.”.

If you have any questions, please call 517-284-8921 or 517-284-8918.

Physician Selection    MCL 418.315

During the first 28 days of treatment the employer has the right to choose the doctor. After that the employee is free to change doctors if he or she so desires. The employee, however, must notify the employer of the change. The employer or the employer's carrier may file a petition objecting to the named physician selected by the employee and setting forth reasons for the objection. If the employer or carrier can show cause why the employee should not continue treatment with the named physician of the employee's choice, after notice to all parties and a prompt hearing by a worker's compensation magistrate, the worker's compensation magistrate may order that the employee discontinue treatment with the named physician or pay for the treatment received from the physician from the date the order is mailed

Penalties for Late Reporting     MCL 418.801(5)

An employer who has notice or knowledge of the disability or death and fails to give notice to the carrier will pay the penalty below for the period during which the employer failed to notify the carrier.

If weekly compensation benefits or accrued weekly benefits are not paid within 30 days after becoming due and payable, in cases where there is no ongoing dispute, $50.00 per day will be added and paid to the worker for each day over 30 days in which the benefits are not paid. Not more than $1,500.00 in total may be added pursuant to this subsection.

Reporting of Claim by Employer  R-408.31a

If an injury results in death, a specific loss, or a disability of 7 days or more, the employer is required to report that injury to the agency on a Form WC-100.

An employer must give a copy of the report of injury (form 100) to the injured employee immediately, and in the case of death, to the dependent. Form 100 indicates compliance with this requirement. A delay in reporting will not occur because of this requirement.

In the case of death, Form WC-106 must also be filed.

Posting Requirements

While the law does not require any type of postings, employers are encouraged to print and place the following publications in areas for employees to review:

Employees - Know Your Rights poster (WC-PUB-005)
Rights & Responsibilities poster (WC-PUB-006)