As KEMI monitors developments regarding COVID-19, we understand you may have concerns about the potential impact to your organization and we want to let you know that we are here to help.
Safety Resources
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KEMI Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services |
Occupational Safety & Health Administration Centers for Disease Control & Prevention |
COVID-19 Claims
Typically, communicable diseases are not covered under Kentucky’s workers’ compensation laws unless the risk of contracting the disease is increased by the nature of the employment.
By virtue of Executive Order 2020-277, in some circumstances employees removed from work by a physician due to occupational exposure to COVID-19 were entitled to temporary income benefits during the period of removal.
As a result of Senate Joint Resolution 150 of the 2022 Regular Session, Executive Order 2020-277 expired on March 21, 2022. As a result, KEMI is required to follow the Kentucky workers’ compensation statute, KRS Chapter 342, including the definition of “injury” in section .0011 of the statute, when accepting or denying COVID-19 related claims.
For a COVID-19 claim to be considered for acceptance, all the following criteria must be met:
- The employee must test positive for COVID-19;
- The employee must establish that they contracted the disease at work;
- The employee must demonstrate that their day-to-day job duties put them at increased risk of contracting the disease.
KEMI reviews each claim on a case-by-case basis, and our goal is always to ensure appropriate benefits are provided to workers in accordance with the law while also providing timely and accurate information to all our stakeholders.
Telehealth / Telemedicine Options for Injured Workers
Injured workers are encouraged to use telehealth / telemedicine services whenever possible to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
To see a list of providers that may accommodate this service, visit the OMCA Provider Locator and select “Telemedicine” from the Specialties drop down list.
Business Continuity at KEMI
We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our employees, therefore at this time, we are suspending all audit and safety visits. All other business operations will continue, and our employees are telecommuting to ensure we provide essential services to our customers.
We understand that this outbreak may cause a disruption to your organization, however we will work hard to ensure that we provide you the best service possible in the midst of the uncertainties we all face. KEMI was created to meet the workers’ compensation insurance needs for Kentucky employers, and we are prepared to meet those needs.
If you have questions, please contact your agent or call KEMI at 1-800-640-KEMI (5364) during business hours (Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time).