The Workers' Compensation Program at UM – Comprehensive version

All employees¹ at UM are covered by Workers' Compensation insurance. The coverage is part of a Montana University System (MUS) Self-funded Workers’ Compensation Program. This program has been in existence since 2003 and is provided at no cost to employees.

There are two excellent sources on the web that provide a very informative discussion about general workers compensation benefits in Montana and the specifics of the self-fund MUS program for all MUS and OCHE employees created by the Montana Board of Regents . The former is located on the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Publications website – Employment Relations Division.  The summary is updated annually to reflect any statute changes that may result from the Montana Legislature biannual session. 

The other one is located on the MUS website at http://mus.edu/che/fiscal/workcomp/wc-links.asp

This site is a very good source of specific details that are particular to the MUS Self-Funded Workers Compensation Program.  Examples of the information are: Explanation of the Work Comp Claim Process; Successful Healing and Return to Work; FAQ’s; and MUS Workers’ Compensation Management Committee.

It is noteworthy to share a few comments about a very challenging area: when an injured employee has been released by the attending physician but isn’t quite at the same level before the injury, and needs to TRANSITION back through a gradual healing process.  This is referred to as the EARLY RETURN TO WORK.  As mentioned in the above link to MUS website, it is critical to understand and be a part of the TEAM (injured employee, medical provider, supervisor, UM WC manager, and the MUS 3^rd Party administrator, Intermountain Claims.) Care must be taken to make sure all of these team players understand the importance to get the employee back to work, in phases or transitions, if possible but at the same time not to rush the healing process or hamper its overall progress.

UM believes employees are our most important assets.  If you are injured on the job we will work with you and your doctor to identify what temporary modifications we can make so you can return to work as soon as possible. We are committed to assisting injured workers return to work as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or comments about the UM Workers Compensation program contact Mike Panisko at mike.panisko@mso.umt.edu or call at 243-2842 or 544-6121.

¹-employee is defined by any faculty, staff or student that is paid through the UM PR department.  Volunteers are not eligible for WC benefits.