Who Pays Medical Bills for a Work Injury in Illinois?
The employer, usually through its workers' compensation insurer. Illinois law directs the provider to bill the employer directly, and for a covered injury the provider cannot bill the worker for the difference between its charge and what was paid. Injury Network Chicago (INC) schedules work injury care 24/7.
Direct billing to the employer
When an employee tells a provider that treatment is for a work-related injury, the Act directs the provider to bill the employer directly. Payment is generally due within 30 days after the employer receives a bill containing substantially all the information needed to process it.
No balance billing
For a covered injury, a provider may not hold the employee liable for the cost of undisputed services, and may not bill or try to recover from the employee the difference between the provider's charge and the amount the employer or insurer paid.
Interest on late payment
Bills that go unpaid past the deadline accrue interest at 1% per month, payable to the provider.
When the employer says the injury is not covered
If the employer notifies the provider that it does not consider the injury compensable, the provider may seek payment from the employee. If the employee then tells the provider that a claim is on file at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, the provider must stop collection efforts while the claim is pending. The next guide covers that situation.
Frequently asked questions
For a covered work injury, the provider bills the employer directly. A provider's office can explain how billing applies to a specific visit.
Need care scheduled for a work injury? Call INC any hour or send a referral.
This page is general information about Illinois workers' compensation and is not legal advice. Every claim is different.