In addition to its impact on Texans and their property, Hurricane Harvey has also had an impact on infrastructure and benefits programs, like workers' compensation.

Gov. Greg Abbott's disaster proclamation directs that all necessary measures, both public and private, as authorized under Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code, be implemented to meet that threat. To meet the governor's directive, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has issued Bulletin # B-0020-17 for all insurance companies writing workers' compensation and employers' liability insurance in Texas, their agents and representatives, and anyone "participating" in the workers' compensation system.

For the duration of the governor's disaster proclamation, in regard to any claims involving workers' compensation claimants residing in a county included in the latest proclamation, insurance carriers must provide or continue to do the following:

• Process and deliver benefit checks and necessary medical care, services, and supplies, including physical therapy, pharmaceutical benefits, and medical equipment;
• Waive penalties and restrictions related to necessary emergency and non-emergency health care provided out-of-network;
• Cover payments for necessary emergency and non-emergency health care services obtained out-of-network;
• Extend deadlines for medical examinations;
• Authorize payment to pharmacies for up to a 90-day supply of any prescription medication, subject to the remaining number of days authorized by the prescribing provider, for individuals regardless of the date upon which the prescription had most recently been filled; and
• Expedite change-of-address processing.

Related: Life, health insurers manage Hurricane Harvey's immediate impact

Deadlines on hold for participants

For system participants who reside in the counties listed in the proclamation, the Texas workers' compensation deadlines for the following procedures are on hold through the duration of the disaster:

• Workers' compensation claim notification and filing deadlines;
• Medical billing deadlines;
• Medical and income benefit payment deadlines;
• Electronic data reporting deadlines; and
• Medical and income benefit dispute deadlines.

The Department of Workers' Compensation (DWC) is also concerned about protecting the first responders who are helping with rescue and recovery efforts. According to the DWC, Section 504.055 of the Texas Labor Code states that both DWC and political subdivisions shall accelerate and give first priority to an injured first responder's claim for workers' compensation medical benefits if that first responder sustains a serious bodily injury in the course and scope of employment.