Workers' Compensation Training For Insurance Agents In Alaska

Improve Your Workers' Compensation Skills

Are you currently working as a Workers' Compensation professional? Do you need to know more about the Workers' Compensation state laws and statutes in Alaska? Or would you like to pursue a professional designation and earn the Workers' Compensation Specialist (WCS) designation?

What Role Does An Insurance Agent Play In Alaska Workers Compensation?

The Alaska Workers' Compensation Act requires each employer having one or more employees in Alaska to obtain workers' compensation insurance, unless the employer has been approved as a self-insurer. Employers are required to provide proof of workers' compensation coverage to the Division of Workers' Compensation. As such, insurance agents should be able to explain to their clients how workers compensation in Alaska works, understand their clients' past and potential claims, then be able to get quotes for coverage.

Insurance Agents also should understand the state's workers comp rules and requirements, how to deal with accommodation and return-to-work requests, management of the claim, proper account handling procedures, and how to fight fraudulent claims. Read below for training courses that teach you and your clients how to do that and more!

What Should A Alaska Insurance Agent And A Workers Compensation Specialist Know?

Individuals assigned to handle workers compensation responsibilities should know all of the items listed below, and Insurance Agents should have at least a working knowledge of the same. They should know how to develop, maintain, and manage the organization's workers' comp program, investigate and process workers' compensation claims, communicate with employees, managers, insurance carriers, medical providers, attorneys, and upper management re workers comp issues, accurately and timely report workplace injuries and illnesses, work within the various Workers Compensation laws, rules, and requirements for issues and requests such as accommodations, restrictions, and return-to-work.

Yes, there is a lot of work - and regulations - in handling an organization's workers comp responsibilities. But don't worry, we have many workers comp training courses that can help!

Alaska Workers' Compensation Rules and Requirements

Coverage Requirements

Alaska requires every employer with one or more employees to maintain workers' compensation insurance unless the employer has been approved by the state as a self-insurer. There is no minimum employee threshold.

Employers Required To Carry Coverage

Coverage is generally required for:

• Private employers with one or more employees
• Nonprofit organizations
• Out-of-state employers with employees working in Alaska
• Seasonal, temporary, part-time, and family-member employees
• Construction, retail, healthcare, fishing, hospitality, and virtually all other industries

Common Exemptions

Certain individuals may be exempt from personal coverage, including:

• Sole proprietors
• Partners in a partnership
• LLC members with at least a 10% ownership interest
• Executive officers of for-profit corporations with at least a 10% ownership interest
• Executive officers of nonprofit, municipal, and religious corporations (unless coverage is elected)
• Certain occupations specifically exempt under Alaska law, such as qualifying commercial fishers, some babysitters, contract entertainers, certain taxicab drivers, qualified real estate licensees, and transportation network company drivers. Even when owners exempt themselves, they must still provide coverage for their employees.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must:

• Purchase workers' compensation insurance from an authorized insurer or qualify as a self-insurer.
• Maintain continuous coverage.
• Report workplace injuries as required.
• Cooperate with claims investigations.
• Pay the full cost of workers' compensation insurance (employees cannot be charged).

Employee Responsibilities

An injured employee should:

• Report the injury to the employer as soon as possible.
• Obtain authorized medical treatment.
• Follow prescribed medical care.
• Cooperate with return-to-work and rehabilitation efforts when appropriate.

Benefits Available

Eligible employees may receive:

• Medical treatment
• Hospital and prescription expenses
• Travel expenses for necessary medical care
• Temporary disability benefits
• Permanent disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation and reemployment benefits
• Death benefits for eligible dependents
• Burial expenses

Wage Replacement

Lost-wage disability benefits are established by Alaska statute and are based on the employee's earnings, subject to state formulas and annual limits.

Self-Insurance

An employer may qualify to self-insure if it meets state financial and operational requirements, including:

• At least 5 years in business in Alaska
• A minimum of 100 employees
• Net worth of at least $10 million
• Demonstrated financial ability to pay claims
• A safety/loss control program
• In-state claims administration capabilities

Penalties For NoncomplianceAn employer that fails to maintain required coverage may face:

• Stop-work orders
• Civil penalties
• Criminal penalties, including fines of up to $10,000 and possible imprisonment
• Additional daily penalties for operating without insurance or violating a stop-work order

State Agency

Workers' compensation is administered by the Alaska Division of Workers' Compensation, part of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, which oversees employer compliance, claims administration, and dispute resolution.

Alaska Workers' Compensation Training Courses

Workers Comp Training Seminars And Webinars

Listed below are some of our best-selling Workers Comp seminars and webinars. You attend seminars in-person at a specific date, time, and venue. Webinars are available in live, CD, and OnDemand formats.

• Workers' Comp Training Seminar
• Workers' Comp 101: The Whats, Whens, And Whys
• Tips For Tracking, Monitoring, And Managing Your Workers' Comp Claims
• Workers' Comp Cost Savings Tips
• Return-To-Work Strategies
• Tips That Strengthen Your Workers' Comp Program

Online Workers Comp Training Courses

The following are online courses you can take anywhere with Internet access:

• How Workers Comp Works
  
• Integrating FMLA, ADA, COBRA, And Workers' Compensation Training & Certification Program

Additional Resources:

FAQs | Blogs | Glossaries | Compliance Checklist
State-Specific Requirements | Certification Programs | FMLA/ADA Integration | Specialty Webinars |