| About Crime Victims Compensation | en español |  |
- What we do.
- Payer of last resort.
- Our history.
- Outreach services and workshops.
- Sexual-assault examinations are covered.
What we do
If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury from a violent crime, the Washington State Crime Victim Compensation Program may be able to help.
This program was created to help victims with the many costs associated with violent crime. The program provides financial compensation to crime victims for such expenses as medical bills, loss of earnings, and funeral expenses.
While no amount of compensation can erase the painful memories of violent crime, we hope this program will help in your recovery and ease some of the financial burdens you face.
Payer of last resort
The Crime Victims Compensation Program is the "payer of last resort". This means we can pay only after primary insurance has paid, if you have any.
Examples of primary insurance:
- Your own medical insurance.
- Public health care such as medical coupons or VA.
- Auto, life, or homeowner's insurance policies.
Our history
Washington's Crime Victims Compensation Program began primarily as the result of a series of editorials in the early 1970's in the state's 2 major newspapers.
The theme of the editorials was that criminals were having their room and board and medical needs met by the state's prison system while victims were left with medical bills and other costs to pay because of the offenders crime.
The Legislature deemed this unfair and in 1973 passed the Crime Victims Compensation Act.
Outreach services and workshops
The Crime Victims Compensation Program provides outreach services to all interested groups.
Workshops serve to educate providers about the program's claims management and bill payment processes. Workshops are available upon request and can be performed at the provider's place of business.
For more information, please call 1-800-762-3716.
Sexual-assault examinatons are covered
State law requires the Crime Victims Compensation Program to pay the costs of sexual-assault examinations when they are performed to gather evidence for possible prosecution.
A sexual-assault victim doesn't need to file a claim with the Crime Victims Compensation Program to be eligible for this benefit. However, any ongoing treatment related to the sexual assault will be considered for payment only if an application for benefits has been filed with the program.
Costs will be reimbursed at the rates established in the industrial insurance Medical Aid Rules and Fee Schedules or the Crime Victims' Compensation program Mental Health Treatment Rules and Fees booklet. A provider must accept these fees as payment in full and is prohibited from billing the victim or their insurance for the balance.
