Original Articles

Curated Content Articles of Interest from Around the Web

    Maine Reduces Wokers’ Comp Rates

    Lower rates in Maine

    • Maine Bureau of Insurance Superintendent Robert Carey approved the National Council on Compensation Insurance’s 2024 loss costs for Maine, which proposed an average loss cost decrease of 19%.
    • The new NCCI loss costs go into effect for new and renewing policies as of April 1, 2024.
    • Loss costs are based on previous and projected losses and benefit payments. NCCI is the advisory rating organization for insurance companies that offer workers’ compensation coverage in Maine.
    • The 19% decrease is an average loss cost change, which ranges from -17.1% to -20.1% depending on the industry group. This is an average decrease so most Maine businesses should see decreases in premiums, but some individual businesses may see increases.
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    Wisconsin approves workers’ comp bill

    • Gov. Tony Evers signed into law the “2023 Wisconsin Act 213,” which makes several improvements to Wisconsin’s worker’s compensation system as recommended by the Worker’s Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC).
    • The bill received the unanimous approval of labor and management members of the council before being sent to the legislature for passage and then to Gov. Evers for his review.
    • Wisconsin Act 213 includes language to increase the permanent partial disability weekly rate by $8 for injuries occurring in 2024, on and after the effective date from $430 to $438, and by an additional $8 to $446 for injuries occurring on and after Jan. 1, 2025.
    • The measure allows lump sum payments for permanent partial disability for unaccrued compensation to be paid voluntarily in advance in undisputed claims with no 5% interest credit.
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    Lawsuit filed against New Mexico governor, workers’ comp board

    • A lawsuit was filed accusing New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration of directing state agencies to withhold public records to protect a government official who was promoted despite previously having been accused of bullying and harassment.
    • Bruce Wetherbee filed the complaint against the state Department of Workforce Solutions, the New Mexico Workers Compensation Administration and the Governor’s Office.
    • The lawsuit accuses the state agencies of withholding public records about the background of Workers Compensation Acting Deputy Director and Mediations Bureau Chief Kenneth Owens at the behest of the governor and asks the court to compel the agencies to produce the records.
    • The lawsuit also asks to award Wetherbee an unspecified amount of damages plus legal costs.
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    Missouri bill applied to judges in workers’ comp cases

    • A Senate bill in Missouri would allow any administrative law judge to be removed from office before the end of his or her term by the director of the Division of Workers’ Compensation for gross inefficiency, incapacity, neglect of duties, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in office; incompetence; and other offenses.
    • Under current law, the Administrative Law Judge Review Committee must conduct a performance audit of all administrative law judges every two years.
    • This act requires reviews, rather than audits, and requires such review to be completed by November 30 in every odd-numbered year.
    • The act modifies the membership of the Administrative Law Judge Review Committee.
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