Florida Directs Workers’ Comp Insurers to Comply with COVID-19 Treatment Order

May 4, 2020

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has issued an informational memorandum to all insurers and entities authorized to write workers’ compensation insurance providing guidance on the treatment of policyholders affected by COVID-19.

The memorandum is in response to Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis’ directive requiring workers’ compensation coverage be provided to public servants on the front lines of COVID-19.

The memo reminds all regulated entities that Florida law requires an employer to provide workers’ compensation coverage if the employee suffers a compensable injury arising out of work performed in the course and scope of employment. First responders, health care workers, and others that contract COVID-19 due to work-related exposure would be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits under Florida law.

“Insurers licensed to provide workers’ compensation coverage in Florida are reminded of this statutory requirement, which must be applied on a non-discriminatory basis. The OIR expects workers’ compensation insurers to comply with all of the provisions of Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Law and will take appropriate action in the event of non-compliance,” the memo states.

Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier said insurers are directed to comply with all provisions of Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Law.

“Today, insurers were reminded that first responders, health care workers, and others that contract COVID-19 due to work-related exposure are entitled to protections under Florida’s workers’ compensation law. This is vital coverage for these brave men and women risking their health and safety on the front lines of this pandemic,” Florida CFO Patronis said in a statement.

Questions regarding this memorandum can be emailed to COVID-19_Orders@floir.com and include “Informational Memorandum OIR-20-05M” in the subject line.

Topics Florida Carriers Workers' Compensation COVID-19

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