Presumptive COVID-19 Coverage

Washington Workers’ Compensation Presumptive COVID-19 Coverage for Health Care and Frontline Workers

New laws apply to health care and frontline workers during public health emergencies involving infectious or contagious diseases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health care and frontline workers who test positive for COVID-19 are presumed to have been exposed at work, and are eligible to file workers’ compensation claims with the Department of Labor and Industries. Health care workers who do not contract the disease but are required (by a medical provider or public health official) to quarantine due to an exposure are also eligible for benefits. Qualified workers are eligible for medical, disability, and temporary wage replacement benefits.

Presumptive COVID-19 Coverage Dates

Health Care Workers: Beginning February 29, 2020

Frontline Workers: Beginning May 11, 2021

Who is a health care worker under this law?

A health care worker is a worker at any health care facility or other organization that provides emergency or medical services and who has or likely has had direct contact with any person who has been exposed or tested positive to the disease.

Who is a frontline worker under this law?

Frontline workers are those who interact with the general public or other employees in the course of their work during the public health emergency.

How can you help?

• Inform your patients who may qualify and help them file workers’ compensation claims using normal processes • Share presumptive COVID-19 coverage information with your staff and peers • Forward presumptive COVID-19 coverage information to urgent care and emergency department staff

Learn More:

Learn more from Labor and Industries about frontline workers, filing a claim, benefits and other FAQs at Lni.wa.gov/ PresumptiveCovidCoverage. Send questions to L&I directly at HELSA@Lni.wa.gov.