LEXINGTON, Ky. — Effective immediately, KEMI will provide wage replacement benefits for first responders and medical personnel employed by a current KEMI policyholder who have been quarantined for COVID-19 as a result of their increased risk of exposure in the course of their work. The wage replacement benefits while in quarantine would cover first responders and any employee in the medical field that has had direct contact with a person diagnosed with the COVID-19.
According to KRS 342.0011(1), workers’ compensation insurance benefits already included coverage for employees who contract a communicable disease due to the increased nature of their employment, however, KEMI’s action expands coverage benefits to include the quarantine period for first responders and medical personnel.
“While our first responders work hard to protect and care for our communities, KEMI will work hard to protect and care for first responders,” said Jon Stewart, KEMI president & CEO. “KEMI was created to meet the workers’ compensation insurance needs for Kentucky employers, and we are prepared to meet those needs.”