Attorneys Discuss Workers Comp Reform That Hurts Workers
Workers Comp “Reforms” Can Hurt Injured Employees –
Any time workers’ comp laws are improved to benefit employees, our Long Beach workers comp attorneys are excited. However, sometimes a change in laws, regulations, policies or procedures can hurt injured employee’s workers compensation cases – even if these changes are labeled “reforms”.
When laws or procedural changes make it even tougher to collect well-deserved workers comp benefits, we know that it is more important than ever to have an aggressive and experienced workers comp attorney by your side.
Workers Comp Reforms Benefit Insurance Companies
A new study, released by The Workers Compensation Research Institute, has claimed that sweeping reforms made to the California worker’s compensation system are “working”. Unfortunately, from their perspective, “working” means less money paid in claims to workers comp applicants in the State of California.
The Workers Compensation Research Institute is an independent, not-for-profit research organization that examined the trends of medical payments per claim across 17 states, including California.
Their report indicated that so called legislative “reforms” that were included in Bill SB 863 in 2012 are working to reduce the amount paid per California workers comp claim.
Some of the many SB 863 “reforms” include: caps based on a “relative scale” for fees paid to medical professionals; a reduction of fees paid to ambulatory surgery centers; and a much more strict independent medical review and independent bill review processes.
Some organizations and even government departments claim that the “cost savings” to employers and insurers from these reforms actually mean increased payments to injured workers. But many experts disagree.
Workers Comp Benefit Cutbacks Can Delay Medical Treatment
Many believe that the changes, passed under the banner of “reform,” have been backed by big businesses and insurance companies under false pretenses. While employers are paying the lowest rates for workers’ comp insurance since the 1970s – and workers comp insurers are seeing profits rise – many injured workers report worsened access to medical care under these “reforms”.
Because of these cutbacks (“reforms’) in medical payments, many injured workers now have to battle insurance companies to get the surgeries, prescriptions and basic help their doctors recommend. This delays medical
And, American taxpayers end up “footing the bill” for these reforms, because it is our tax dollars that now cover tens of billions of dollars in Social Security Disability, Medicare and Medicaid – to cover the medical costs and lost wages not covered by workers’ comp.
Because these workers comp reforms may make it harder for you to obtain the medical treatment you deserve, it is essential that you have an aggressive workers comp attorney by your side – to protect your rights and help you obtain the maximum compensation and medical benefits you deserve.
Long Beach Workers Comp Attorneys Fight Cutbacks
If you have suffered a workplace illness, injury, disease or disability, our experienced workers comp attorneys will fight aggressively to maximize your benefits and to ensure that you get the medical treatment you need. Call our workers comp attorneys today for a free, no obligation, and consultation – to understand your rights and to obtain the maximum workers compensation benefits for which you qualify.
