Workers’ Compensation Iowa

• Is Iowa Workers’ Compensation insurance required?
• How does Workers’ Comp work in Iowa?
• How much is Workers’ Compensation in Iowa?
• Who is exempt from Iowa Workers’ Comp insurance?
• How NEXT helps Iowa small business owners

Is Iowa Workers’ Compensation insurance required?

According to the state law of the Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation, Iowa workers’ compensation insurance is required for all employers in the state unless they meet one of a few limited exemptions.

Employers are also required to file a First Report of Injury within four days of notice or knowledge of a work injury (not counting Sundays and legal holidays) if the worker has a temporary disability for more than three days.

In addition, employers may also be required to submit a Subsequent Report of Injury and/or additional paperwork for medical reports, etc. as described in the Duties And Responsibilities Of Employers,Insurance Carriers And Self-Insured Employers handbook.

Employers in Iowa are also required to:

• Provide a statement of earnings upon request.
• Pay interest if weekly benefits are delayed.
• Furnish copies of medical records relevant to a claim when requested.
• Pay lost wages for treatment after an employee returns to work following a workers’ comp injury.

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How does Workers’ Comp work in Iowa?

Workers’ compensation insurance helps protect your business from the financial loss of work-related injuries and illnesses. More specifically, workers’ comp coverage can help cover the following for your employees:

• Medical costs, including emergency treatment.
• Ongoing medical bills.
• Lost wages because of the injury or illness.
• Death benefits for the dependents of workers who die as a result of a workplace injury or illness.

Employees have 90 days to report a work-related illness or injury from the date of the accident to be eligible for benefits.

It is the employer’s responsibility to report the incident to their insurance provider as soon as possible to avoid any problems with the claim.

Your insurance company will approve or deny the claim based on eligibility.

• If approved, the employee will receive Iowa state workers’ comp benefits, which may include medical benefits, disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation benefits or death benefits.
• If denied, the employee can file a dispute.

Criminal and civil penalties can be imposed on employers who violate the mandatory Iowa workers’ comp insurance law.

Employers who operate without insurance illegally expose their business to the financial risk of an injured employee who sues the employer for the full cost of medical bills, lost wages and more.

Learn more about workers’ compensation coverage.

How much is Workers’ Compensation in Iowa?

Workers’ compensation costs vary across industries. Factors that influence price include:

• The number of employees and the type of work they do.
• Your total payroll.
• Your insurance claims history.
• The locations where you do business.

Get a free instant quote in about 10 minutes from NEXT to see your workers’ comp insurance costs.

Who is exempt from Iowa Workers’ Comp insurance?

While workers’ compensation coverage is recommended for most businesses, not all workers are required by law to carry it. Exemptions include:

• Sole proprietors, partners and members of a limited liability company (LLC).
• Independent contractors.
• Some close family members of the employer, including a spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters.
• Some agricultural workers making less than $1,500 annually.
• Some domestic and casual employees making less than $1,500 annually.

For specific guidance on exemptions and insurance coverage, contact a Workers’ Compensation Compliance Administrator.

Even in the case of an exemption, employers can opt into coverage to be protected from unexpected costs if your employee gets hurt at work, including lost wages and medical expenses. Without it, you could be held liable for covering those expenses out of pocket.

How NEXT helps Iowa small business owners

NEXT offers an easy way to get a free workers’ compensation insurance quote, purchase coverage in about 10 minutes, and access your certificate of insurance the next day.

NEXT strives to resolve every claim quickly. Learn more about our claims process and how our claims advocates will work with you after an employee injury.

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