By Diana McFarland
Smithfield Times News editor
In addition to trying to change the workers' compensation law, Del. William K. Barlow (D-64th) succeeded last year in getting $250,000 in workers' compensation relief for Lieutenant Kurt Beach. The money was to help defray the costs of a liver transplant, which was completed in May 2009.
The bill sailed through the legislative process, and was unanimously approved in the House and Senate.
A year later, Beach still hasn’t received any money.
According to the bill, Beach was to receive $50,000 30 days after the operation. After that, Beach was scheduled to receive $20,000 by Dec. 31, 2009, and each year after that until the $250,000 was spent.
Beach is worried that since the first two deadlines have past, that the $70,000 is no longer available.
A workers' compensation representative contacted Beach, who said the agency was unsure what fund should be used to make the payments. The representative asked Beach to send his bills to the agency, and they would cover what the insurance did not. Beach was also asked to sign a waiver, promising he would not sue the state or the town for his illness.
Beach has held back on signing the waiver for two reasons. In order for workers' compensation to pay the bills, it must be demonstrated that the procedure was medically necessary.
Experimental drugs are not classified, Beach said.
Barlow said part of the problem is that no medical bills have been submitted. Barlow said he’s contacted the attorney general’s office to see if there’s been a problem in the interpretation of the legislation.
Beach said he’s waiting for Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center to make a final tally of the cost of the surgery.
Not signing the waiver gives me some leverage, Beach said.
Beach said he doesn’t want to appear greedy, or that his family is having financial problems. Besides, many of the bills and expenses have been paid for by money donated by members of the community.
“I just want to know where I stand,” he said.
