Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MMIA a government agency?

Yes, the MMIA was created under the authority of the Montana Interlocal Cooperation Act (Title 7-11, Parts 1 through 4, MCA). The MMIA is owned by the cities and towns who participate in its coverage Programs. The MMIA operates as an interlocal government agency.

My city/town is a member of MMIA; how do I get claim forms?

For Workers’ Compensation, Liability and Property claims, you can eFile under the respective department categories on the website menu. You can also download printable forms under each department’s Program Documents section.

I need Loss Reports, who do I speak to?

The Risk Management Department or Supervisors of the respective Unit.

I have a question about a specific Loss Report that I received.

If the question or concern is about reading the report, contact the Risk Management Department. If it is about a specific claim on the report, contact the Adjuster assigned to the claim.

Liability Program

Does the MMIA provide liability coverage for miscellaneous items, such as skate board parks, etc?

The answer is yes, if the city is willing to comply with certain requirements. A packet is available which outlines the requirements that the city must meet in order to have the endorsement for the respective item in question.

Workers' Compensation

What do I do if I have an injury on the job?

Although the Montana Workers' Compensation statutes allow for injuries to be reported to your employer within 30 days of the occurrence, it is strongly recommended you report all injuries to your supervisor/employer as soon as possible. We recommend, whether or not you receive medical treatment, that you report minor injuries as well to your employer. Once you have reported the injury to your employer, a First Report of Injury and/or Occupational Disease form must be completed, signed and submitted to your workers' compensation insurance carrier.

What workers’ compensation medical benefits are provided?

Once MMIA accepts your injury or occupational disease claim, you are entitled to reasonable doctor, hospital, prescription and medical care costs. Allowable charges are paid according to a medical fee schedule. You do not have to pay the balance between what the medical provider charges and the MMIA pays.

Are my workers’ compensation medical benefits open forever?

No. Medical benefits terminate when they are not used for a period of sixty (60) consecutive months.

What if I can’t work at all for a while?

If you suffer a total loss of wages due to your injury or occupational disease, you may be eligible for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits until your physician releases you to return to employment. You may receive weekly compensation of 66 ⅔% of your gross wages at the time of injury – up to the maximum rate of $573 per week. These benefits are payable after 4 days or 32 hours of wage loss, whichever is less.

Property Program

When do I have to notify MMIA of changes in my Insured Property?

All changes must be submitted at least once each year with your property insurance renewal (usually occurs in February through April). Any change in insured structures/real property, regardless if value, must be reported as it occurs throughout the year. Any change in personal property with value of $100,000 or more must be reported as it occurs throughout the year. Changes in vehicles with values of $100,000 or more must be reported throughout the year. Changes in vehicles and equipment valued @ less than $100,000 need only be reported at renewal. Note: Any single change of $700,000 or more, reported in the 1st six months of a policy period is subject to additional premium.

Employee Benefits

When should a new employee enroll?

A new employee is eligible to enroll in the Program after the employee has met the employer’s waiting or probation period as determined by the employer’s personnel policy. Application must be made within 31 days of eligibility date; otherwise the employee would be considered a late enrollee and would not be able to apply for benefits until the next annual open enrollment period, which is May 15 through June 15.

What is a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is a condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was received within six months prior to the employee or eligible dependent’s effective date of coverage.

What is Creditable Coverage?

Creditable coverage is prior health care coverage that is taken into account to determine the allowable length of pre-existing condition exclusion periods.

How does one prove Creditable Coverage?

A Certificate of Creditable Coverage is presented to the group health or individual plan with enrollment application. When a covered member of the MMIA looses health benefits, a Certificate of Creditable coverage is generated within 30 days of the loss of coverage. If the employee requests a Certificate of Creditable Coverage it will be generated within 24 hours of the request.

Is pregnancy considered a pre-existing condition?

Pregnancy is not subject to the pre-existing condition limitation. However, becoming pregnant does not create a special enrollment period.

What is a special enrollment period?

Employees and eligible dependents may enroll if certain qualifying events occur. Written application must be paid within 31 days of the event, which include marriage, birth or adoption of a child, change in employment status or involuntary loss of coverage.

When does a newborn’s coverage begin?

A newborn is automatically covered at birth for 31 days. For coverage to be continued after 31 days, written application must be forwarded to the MMIA office.

Are dependents over age 19 eligible for coverage?

Dependents are eligible for coverage up to age 25 if the dependent does not have coverage through the dependent's employer.

Who processes medical claims?

Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Montana has entered into a contract with the MMIA EB Program to process claims for our membership. Most healthcare providers will submit claims on our members’ behalf, but if you do need to file a claim, it should be mailed to BCBSMT, PO Box 5004, Great Falls, MT 59403.

How does one obtain help with a medical claim?

BCBSMT Customer Service personnel are available at 1-800-447-7828 to answer questions regarding benefits and claims processing. Claims inquiries can also be made via the BCBS website’s secure services at www.bcbsmt.com.

Risk Management

What are the leading causes of work place injuries among MMIA members?

The leading reasons employees get injured among the MMIA membership are lifts or pushes and pulls of more than 50 pounds per person, non-use of personal protective equipment, and slips and falls.

Is there a fee for training from the MMIA?

All our training is free of charge to members.