Oregon issues temporary rule to manage COVID-19 claims

The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division on Wednesday announced a temporary rule to ensure appropriate and consistent processing of claims for COVID-19 or exposure to the coronavirus.  

The rule, which goes into effect Thursday, states that insurers must conduct a “reasonable investigation” before denying any claim and that if an insurer has reported to the director of the division five or more claims for COVID-19 or exposure to the virus, regardless of whether those claims have been accepted or denied, the director will audit the insurer’s files for all claims denied for COVID-19 or exposure.  

The new rule comes after “stakeholders” expressed “concerns about inconsistencies in the processing of claims for COVID-19 or exposure to SARS-CoV-2, and have recommended immediate action to promote reasonable investigation of these claims,” according to the announcement.

The temporary rule expires March 29, 2021. 

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.