Workers’ compensation benefits for COVID-19 illness could include medical and indemnity (wage replacement) benefits. A claims analyst will determine if the illness qualifies for coverage. If the claim is denied, there is a process to object and request a hearing.
Wyoming Workers’ Compensation medical and wage replacement coverage for COVID-19 illness will depend on many factors. We recommend contacting our department if you have any questions.
State statutes that will likely apply include:
- W.S. 27-14-102(a)(xi) which defines injury as “any harmful change in the human organism other than normal aging…”
- W.S. 27-14-102(a)(xi)(A) which states “Injury” does not include any illness or communicable disease unless the risk of contracting the illness or disease is increased by the nature of the employment.” For the period beginning January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2022 unless otherwise extended by the legislature, if any employee in an employment sector for which coverage is provided by this act is infected with the COVID-19 Coronoavirus, it shall be presumed that the risk of contracting the illness or disease was increased by the nature of the employment.
Please follow the instructions on how to file for workers’ compensation.
If you have questions about workers’ compensation, please contact (307) 777-5476 or email DWS-AskMeWC@wyo.gov.