AlaCOMP, A Workers’ Compensation Self Insurance Fund.

Frequently asked workers’ compensation questions:

For information that governs your policy, please consult your insurance agent.

What is the address for sending payments?
AlaCOMP
Department B
P O Box 830520
Birmingham, Al 35283
When is my payment due?
All installments are due on the first day of the month.
Is there a reinstatement fee?
Yes. $75. If the policy is terminated and then reinstated without a break in coverage.
When can I include an officer that is currently excluded?
Officers can only be included for the next annual policy period, beginning 1/1. Signed inclusions must be filed with the State in December of the current year.
Do you waive subrogation and what is the cost?
We waive subrogation by endorsement. There is no cost. Blanket waivers of subrogation are not available.
Can you cover companies in other states?
We partner with Insurance Companies so we can write in all states except Ohio, North Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Will you offer coverage to a former member after a termination or break in coverage?
Yes. We offer quotes to former insured’s provided prior obligations are satisfied and claims experience is satisfactory.
What form do I use to file a workers’ compensation claim?
WCC Form 2 rev 9/2006, Employer’s First Report of Injury or Occupational Disease is the current form authorized by the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations.
How soon should I file the claim?
The First Report of Injury should be filed immediately upon your having knowledge of, and/or seeing, and/or being told of a worker’s compensation injury.
Who should I send the claim to for processing?
claimsfirstreport@albig.biz or fax to 334-215-8480.
Do I have to file a workers’ compensation form if an employee says they have a work injury?
Yes, this is a statutory requirement. If you doubt compensability of a claim, make your concerns known when you file the claim and discuss it with your adjuster.
How many days does the injured worker have to notify the employer of an injury?
Alabama WC Law states within five (5) days; however, case law established by the Circuit Courts has ruled the injured worker has ninety (90) days.
Will the injured worker be paid mileage for going to the authorized treating doctor? Do you have a basic form for reporting this?
Yes, the injured worker may file for medical mileage reimbursement as long as it is within one (1) year from the date of travel. Your claims adjuster can provide a mileage form. The Department of Industrial Relations publishes medical mileage reimbursement rates.
Does the employee have the right to choose their own doctor?
No. The employer chooses the authorized treating doctor. If the injured worker is dissatisfied with the authorized treating doctor, they may then request a panel of four doctors from which to choose another authorized treating doctor. At no time should the employer authorize an injured worker’s personal physician to treat a work injury.
How much will an injured worker receive in compensation benefits if they have a defined disability for more than the three (3) day waiting period?
The injured worker will receive 2/3 of their Average Weekly Wage for the defined period of disability. Remember, Workers Compensation is not taxed. Therefore; the injured worker is receiving approximately what they were receiving in their pay checks. There is a three (3) day waiting period, before compensation for lost wages starts.
How does the injured worker get reimbursed for prescription medications?
The injured worker must submit the pharmacy receipt for reimbursement. The pharmacy receipt must reflect the date, the name of the drug(s), the prescribing doctor, and the dollar amount.
If the employer pays the medical provider at the time of treatment, will AlaCOMP reimburse the employer?
Yes, under the following condition: The request for reimbursement is made within one year of the medical treatment; Reimbursement will be processed at the DIR Published WC Fee Schedule or PPO whichever is smaller.
Do Wage Garnishment Liens have a bearing on worker’s compensation?
Yes. Child Support Lien’s nationwide are enforceable under worker’s compensation. If injured worker’s current wages are under garnishment for child support, send us a copy immediately. No other garnishments except for child support are enforceable under workers’ compensation.
If a third party agrees to cover your injured worker, do you still need to file the WCC Form 2?
Yes. Your contractual AlaCOMP WC Policy covers your injured worker. Any verbal agreement with a third party is non-binding. In addition to creating a host of legal issues, you lose the benefit of reducing medical bills in accordance with the DIR WC Fee Schedules. Remember you control the medical protocols of worker’s compensation. With a third party verbal agreement you have no control of any medical protocols.
If I wish to pay the medical billing on a medical only claim, may I?
Yes, as long as you tell us in writing that is what you are going to do. However, you should know this is a very questionable decision at best. We can effectively reduce “billed” verses “paid” utilizing the DIR Fee Schedule. We will still require copies of the medical billing and medical records. If the medical billing escalates to where you want AlaCOMP to pay the medical benefits, we will do so but not reimburse you for the medical bills you paid. We also reserve the right to decline or terminate your decision to pay the medical bills.
Why is it not a good practice to send all my injured workers’ to the local hospital emergency room?
Simply put, DOLLARS and CENTS. A cut finger requiring stitches can be effectively treated at the ER and average billing is $1,500.00 OR a cut finger requiring stitches can be effectively treated at an occupational/industrial medicine clinic, Med One, Med Plus, Pri-Med, Family Practice, etc. and average billing is $350.00.
I just got served a Summons and Complaint from one of my injured workers, how do I respond?
You do not respond to the plaintiff’s attorney or the Court. You immediately send us a copy of the Summons and Complaint. If the complaint is worker’s compensation, AlaCOMP will defend and indemnify and answer the Summons and Complaint.
I just got notice of a worker’s compensation injury and directed my injured worker for medical treatment but he refuses. What should I do?
Immediately write a letter on company letterhead to your injured worker stating you were notified on (date) of their worker’s compensation injury (body part) and that you directed him to (MD/Med Facility) and that they declined medical treatment at this time. Then have your injured worker endorse your letter with his signature and date that he was in receipt of your letter.