Origins

Our system grew out of the  American progressive movement of the early 20 th century. Workers comp was the first true social welfare program in the United States. Workers Comp predated social security retirement, Medicare, Medicaid (AHCCS), unemployment and related benefits.

The essential feature of Comp is it's no fault nature; If an employee is injured in the course and scope of employment, in an activity arising out of the employment, the  worker is covered. The injured worker( "applicant") is  provided with medical benefits( reasonable and necessary medical expenses) and partial wage replacement.

In Arizona, an applicant's average monthly wage (AMW) is fixed as of the date of injury. The  wage is supposed to be an accurate reflection of the applicant's pre injury monthly earnings. In my next entry, I will describe AMW more specifically.

Benefits are paid at 66 2/3 % of the AMW. Benefit frequency is determined by work status, which is exclusively based on medical opinion. In other words , a treating physician, whether MD, DO, Nurse Practitioner, Chiropractor, or other physician opines whether the applicant is in a no work, light work or full work capacity. If no work, benefits are paid every 14 days. Light work, aka modified work benefits are paid every month. In full work status, no benefits are payable.

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