By: Ken David, Esq.

Pursuant to Board requirements, effective January 1, 2019, Insurers/TPAs must file Form WC-1 on all claims, including all “medical only” claims. The Board will assess penalties for failure to timely file a WC-1 after January 1, 2019, pursuant to the provisions of O.C.G.A. §§ 34-9-12(a), 34-9-18 and Board Rules. What this means is that you file a WC-1 on every claim – medical only claims where no indemnity is owed, compensable claims where indemnity is being paid, and claims you are controverting. This change also means that it is particularly important now that employers complete a WC-1 on any claim and send it to the TPA. The new WC-1 form is here.