State Employee Health Benefits

State Self Insurance Fund Frequently Asked Questions

What is Workers Compensation?

It is compensation provided by the employer for a personal injury caused by an accident arising out of and in the course of employment. Employees who sustain compensable injuries from an accident injury or occupational disease may be entitled to:

• Reasonable and necessary medical treatment expenses to treat the job related injury or illness;
• Disability compensation to replace part of the wages lost due to a disability; and
• Survivors benefits if death results.

Who administers Workers Compensation for State of Kansas employees?

The State Self-Insurance Fund (SSIF) was established by the Kansas legislature to administer workers compensation claims on behalf of State of Kansas employees. The SSIF can be reached in Topeka at 785-296-2364.

What if I have an accident at work?

All accidents should be reported to the employer (usually a supervisor) at the very earliest possible time so the injured worker can seek medical attention and to investigate the accident to prevent recurrence. Failure to notify an employer within 10 days of the accident could jeopardize compensation.

Where do I go for medical care?

An employee injured at work is entitled to all reasonable and necessary medical treatment needed to cure or relieve the effects of the injury. The employer has the right to choose the treating physician. The State Self-Insurance Fund has designated care with several hospitals and clinics. See list of medical providers. If you are injured, and work in these areas, you must go there first for treatment. If there is no provider in your area, please see your PCP. Should you seek medical care from a provider that is not approved by the Fund, you may receive unauthorized medical payments limited to $500.

Is mileage allowed for treatment I get?

You will be entitled to mileage when you drive to your authorized provider’s office if the distance is more than 5 miles roundtrip. A mileage form [PDF version] is available for your use in keeping track of your miles and may be submitted periodically, usually monthly, as you drive.

How do I get prescriptions?

Your provider may prescribe certain drugs or other items during the course of your treatment. You may purchase prescription drugs from any outlet in your area. The vendor may allow you to charge the drugs and then directly bill the Fund; or you may pay for the drugs and be reimbursed by the Fund. We usually will not pay for over the counter items, aspirin, band aids, etc. Your claim representative will assist you with such purchases if you have a problem. Please do not purchase or rent any other items such as electrical stimulators or other hardware until you check with your claim representative.

How and when do I get paid if I am off work?

You may be compensated at the rate of 2/3 of your gross average weekly wage, subject to a weekly maximum, if a physician restricts you from all work or if your employer can not accommodate physician directed restrictions. This compensation is termed Temporary Totally Disabled, or "TTD". In general, you are not eligible for weekly compensation for the first 7 days unless you are totally disabled from work 21 consecutive days. The SSIF will issue you a separate check in the same time frame (biweekly) as State employees receive regular pay. Your agency will be advised of the SSIF paid compensation and will make necessary adjustments to your time and leave balances. If you receive SSIF compensation, please check with your personnel officer about sick leave, vacation leave or FMLA considerations.

Will I be taxed on SSIF payments?

Workers compensation wage loss payments are not subject to state or federal income tax.

Do I have to use vacation leave or sick leave if I am drawing "TTD"?

No, however, most employees do supplement "TTD" with leave so as to make up pay for any shortage (since TTD is 2/3 to a certain level). See your agency personnel office for more details or call your claims adjuster.

Am I eligible for shared leave consideration if I have a work related injury?

No. Shared leave is not intended to cover employees who are receiving workers compensation. (K.A.R. 1-9-23)

How soon can I try to return to work?

Your supervisor, agency and claim representative will begin the process of getting you back to work as soon as possible. The treating physician will determine if you have physical restrictions. You, your supervisor and the representative can then review any restrictions to decide if you can return to duty. This could be in the form of accommodated duty or shortened hours so long as they do not exceed physical restrictions. If the agency can accommodate restrictions, you will be expected to return to work. As your restrictions are adjusted, your accommodations will be evaluated until you are back to regular duty.

What if I have questions about this process?

Your primary assistance is the claim representative (or adjuster) at 785-296-2364. Located in Topeka, the claim representative will advise you and will see that you receive the necessary information and compensation. Another source is in the Division of Worker’s Compensation in Topeka which has claim advisors who can provide you with consultation on a toll free number, 1-800-332-0353. Also, mediation or a hearing before an administrative law judge in the county where the accident occurred is available. Your claim representative or advisor can explain the administrative hearing process to you.

What if I see an unsafe act or condition at work?

Correct the situation if it is within your scope of responsibility or decision making. Otherwise, report it to your supervisor. Your agency may also contact the Health and Safety section of the Division of Personnel Services, 785-296-4084 for workplace hazard prevention services and consultation.

What if I think someone is cheating on workers compensation?

The SSIF occasionally receives reports that someone who is off work on workers compensation is working another job or participating in activities that would indicate the person could be working. Please report these with as much specific detail as possible to the SSIF at 785-296-2364.

Do I need an attorney to handle my claim?

You may get suggestions from co-workers, friends and others to get representation. Initially, your best source of information about how claims are administered and how they are "settled" comes from your claims representative. You could also call the Division of Workers Compensation’s toll free 1-800-332-0353 or local Topeka number (296-2996) and speak with an advisor. We suggest you try to resolve any situation through this process before considering representation.