New DOL Contractor Rule Could Reshape Workers’ Comp Eligibility Nationwide
- The Department of Labor proposed a new rule on February 26, 2026, to simplify worker classification under federal law.
- By prioritizing control and entrepreneurial opportunity, the proposal aims to make it easier for businesses to classify workers as independent contractors.
- However, misclassification risks remain significant, as state-level workers’ compensation laws often differ from federal standards, potentially leaving employers liable for unpaid premiums and benefits.
CMS Launches Section 111 Audits: Workers’ Comp Payers Face New Era of Reporting Penalties
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began auditing Section 111 reports in January 2026, marking the first time workers’ compensation payers face significant financial penalties for non-compliance.
- Daily fines for untimely reporting now reach $1,512 per claim.
- Payers must understand the new informal notice and appeals process, as the first penalty notices for liability claims arrive in March, while workers’ compensation enforcement is slated for July.
Ametros Launches Campaign to Celebrate Injured Workers’ Recovery Post-Settlement
- Ametros launched its “Member Momentum” campaign on February 24, 2026, to highlight the resilience of injured workers following their settlements.
- By sharing stories of members who successfully navigated the Medicare Set-Aside process, the initiative promotes professional administration as a tool for long-term recovery.
- This advocacy-focused approach marks a shift in the workers’ compensation industry toward prioritizing the injured worker’s quality of life after a claim is closed.