Pearson v. C.P. Buckner Steel Erection Co.

FRYE, Justice.

The issue presented by this case of first impression is whether an employer who denies liability but is ordered to pay medical expenses under the Workers’ Compensation Act (Act) may fulfill this obligation by merely reimbursing Medicaid where Medicaid has paid medical providers a portion of the cost of treatment or whether the employer must also pay medical providers the difference between the amount covered by Medicaid and the full amount authorized by the Act under the Industrial Commission (Commission) fee schedule for medical expenses.

This case arises out of an accident on 4…