Montana Republicans on a House panel endorsed a bill Feb. 8 that is expected to be the sessions major workers compensation reform measure. Meantime, a leading Democrat claims its savings fall too much on the backs of injured workers.
The bill createsa huge amount of up-front savings, all taken out of workers benefits, said Rep. Chuck Hunter, D-Helena. "We don't agree that's the right thing to do." (WCxKit)
According to The Missoulian, the House Business and Labor Committee endorsed House Bill 334 on a party-line 14-7 vote, with all Democrats coming out against it.
Rep. Scott Reichner, R-Bigfork, the sponsor of HB334, states the Republican majority in the House will approve the bill the week of Feb. 7 and send it on to the Senate, where another workers comp bill was to be heard.
Yet, as Hunter pointed out, whatever bill passes the Republican-controlled Legislature still must gain the approval of Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer.
"He has already signaled that hes not going to accept a bill that balances this whole program on the backs of injured workers," Hunter said of the governor.
Montana premiums for workers comp, which businesses are required to have to insure against on-the-job injuries, rank among the largest nationwide.
Republicans and Democrats both agree the problem needs to be addressed, to decrease costs for employers in Montana.
According to the language in HB334:
1. It ends medical benefits for work-related injuries five years after the injury. A two-year exception can be granted for surgery to help the worker return to work.
2. It redefines who is eligible for payment for a "permanent impairment," cutting out most that would be eligible under current law.
3. It creates a list of physicians that injured workers must see, rather than letting them choose any doctor.
On Feb. 8, the House Business and Labor Committee also backed Hunters HB186, which would spend $1 million a year on workplace safety programs, to attempt to lessen Montanas high workplace accident rate. (WCxKit)
The panel amended the bill to state it will fail unless Reichners HB334 is approved by the Legislature.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
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