Workers Comp Issues to Watch in 2016
Workers' compensation issues to watch in 2016 include changes to employee heath and claims models, federal interest in state workers' compensation programs, and, of course, the presidential election.
PA Man Indicted on Workers' Comp Fraud Charge
A man from Chambersburg, PA has been indicted on federal charges of theft and fraud. According to the charges, while claiming disability due a work-related injury, and receiving almost $150, 000 in fraudulent benefits, he concealed the fact that he was actively employed by a catering service.
Pennsylvania Treasury Teams with U.S. Bank for Enhanced Prepaid Debit Card Program for Unemployment Compensation and Workers' Compensation Benefit Recipients
U.S. Bank will be the new provider of the Pennsylvania Treasury's prepaid debit card program. The program's "ReliaCards," about to be issued, will be used by approximately 80,000 recipients of Unemployment Compensation and Workers' Compensation benefits.
Company Pays Employee for Injury Sustained on Business Trip
A woman injured during a business training trip to Germany filed a Workers' Compensation claim against her employer after she suffered an injury following a fall that took place on her walk back to her hotel one evening. The company initially denied the claim because the accident happened after she had completed work for the day. The parties eventually reached a settlement agreement of $2,836,000.
Pennsylvania Workers Comp Rates to Go Down Nearly 6%
Things are looking up for Pennsylvania Worker's Compensation insurers as workers comp claims decrease in the state. This will allow for a decrease in premiums as well.
Lawsuit Claims Filing for Workers' Compensation Led to Firing
A former Harrisburg Dairies employee has brought a federal lawsuit alleging that he was fired in retaliation for his workers' compensation claim among other complaints.
OSHA Report Finds Employers Escape Costs of Workplace Injuries
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a report entitled "Adding Inequality to Injury: The Costs of Failing to Protect Workers on the Job" that outlines various problems with the workers' compensation system.
Pennsylvania Sees Decline in Cost of Workers' Compensation Insurance
For the fourth consecutive year, overall rates for Workers' Compensation insurance will decline while benefits for injured workers remain unchanged.
Study Designed to Help Lawmakers Address Rising Hospital Costs in Workers Compensation Cases
A recent study conducted by the Workers Compensation Research Institute examined hospital outpatient costs across 33 states including Pennsylvania. The study was designed to help policymakers better understand rising hospital costs that may impact future reform.
Workers’ Comp Insurers Unfazed by TRIA Failure For Now But Expect Quick Fix
With a new Congress in 2015, those in the insurance industry are hopeful that the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, which provides backing for insurance agencies in the event that they have to pay large claims after acts of terrorism, will be reinstated.
New Workers’ Comp and Pharmaceutical Reform Bill Passed
The Pennsylvania legislature has recently passed legislation seriously limiting the circumstances under which injured workers will receive prescription medication.