Texas releases key workers’ comp findings
- The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation Research and Evaluation Group released a report on employer participation in the Texas workers’ compensation system.
- The employer subscription rate increased to 75% in 2022 from 72% in 2018.
- The share of employees that work for subscribers increased to 83%, the highest in 12 years
- Subscription rates among small employers decreased while staying stable for large employers.
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Kentucky doctor sentenced for fraud
- A Kentucky physician and an advanced practice registered nurse were sentenced for conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering charges.
- The physician’s medical practice was also sentenced for conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances and conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
- Physician Jeffrey Campbell was sentenced to 105 months in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
- Advanced practice registered nurse Mark Dyer was sentenced to 60 months in prison.
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Massachusetts approves workers’ comp decrease
- Massachusetts workers’ compensation rates will fall an average of 10.2% starting July 1, a considerably bigger reduction than the industry recommended.
- Insurance Commissioner Gary Anderson signed off on the cut that will save employers an estimated $130 million after the attorney general’s office, the industry’s Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau (WCRIB).
- The revised rates will apply to new and renewal policies effective on and after July 1, 2023, including all policies in the assigned risk pool.
- The overall experience and benefit level change is -10.2% for each industry group: manufacturing; construction; office/clerical; goods/services, and miscellaneous.
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Police chief entitled to more benefits
- A former police chief in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is entitled to additional retirement benefits, the state Appellate Court ruled.
- The court overturned a decision by the state Compensation Review Board, which affirmed the decision of the Workers’ Compensation Commissioner dismissing Gaudett’s claim for hypertension or heart disease benefits under state law governing compensation for municipal police officers or firefighters.
- Joseph Gaudett served as police chief from 2010 to 2016 when he was removed from the position by a an elected official and had been permitted to collect his deputy police chief’s pension of $78,000 a year.
- The court overturned a decision by the state Compensation Review Board for hypertension or heart disease benefits under state law governing compensation for municipal police officers or firefighters.
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