Flash: Pressure Builds to Eliminate COVID-19 Surcharge from 2021 Rates
The industry presented its case for a 2021 rate increase, but Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara also heard why a decrease should also be considered. How big of a rate cut is possible? Get the details here. Workers’ Comp Executive
New tool helps injured Tennessee employees seek workers’ comp
Tennesseans have a new tool to help them file workers’ compensation claims: a free app that lets them fill out key forms by speaking into a smartphone. At the conclusion of the interview, the tool provides a completed form accepted in all workers’ compensation courts in Tennessee. WKMS (Murray, Ky.)
New York workers’ comp court stenographer admits to overbilling
A stenographer who participated in workers’ compensation proceedings in central New York has admitted a multi-year practice of overbilling more than $187,000 for services. auburnpub.com
Ohio pain clinic owner sentenced to 10 years in prison
The 55-year-old owner and operator of a Hamilton, Ohio pain clinic has been sentenced to ten years in prison and must pay near $2.2 million in restitution to Medicaid, Medicare and the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation for healthcare fraud. Prosecutors allege patients were prescribed fentanyl, oxycodone, methadone, morphine and other controlled substances without actually seeing the doctor. Local12 (Cincinnati) [with video]
Oklahoma justices strike provision in workers’ comp law
Oklahoma’s highest court has decided another aspect of the state’s 2014 workers’ compensation overhaul, involving wrongful death, was unconstitutional. Journal Record [may require registration]
Disney employees denied workers’ compensation
Despite working long hours, high risk of infection, and the continual stress, some essential, emergency responders do not have the option to self-isolate during the pandemic. Now, some paramedics at Disney World are facing the consequences and may not be entitled to workers’ compensation claims. Baltimore Post-Examiner
Long Island chiropractor faces federal fraud charges
Federal prosecutors have charged a Long Island, New York chiropractor with healthcare fraud for allegedly submitting false claims to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers Compensation Programs. The defendant allegedly billed the program for services provided to patients on dates they did not visit him, as well as services he did not provide during their visits. Patch (Farmingdale, N.Y.)
Safety, workers’ comp and the remote workforce
Michael Schultz, cofounder at Aclaimant, discusses how to address the unique safety challenges that come with a remote workforce, as well as the challenges faced by companies that have had to keep their doors open throughout the pandemic. BenefitsPro
Ohio man pleads to workers’ comp fraud
An Ohio man earlier this monty pleaded guilty to felony workers’ compensation fraud for working as a semi-truck driver while receiving more than $141,500 in benefits from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. WBEX (Chillicothe, Ohio)
26 New York court employees probed for phony COVID-19 unemployment claims
The New York court system’s inspector general is investigating 26 employees who filed for unemployment during the pandemic despite getting their regular taxpayer-funded paychecks. The employees reportedly were moonlighting and filed for unemployment when they were laid off from part-time side jobs, claiming no other source of income, the source said. New York Post
Ohio: City of Toledo challenging firefighter workers’ comp claims
Despite a state law that provides firefighters who file for workers’ compensation related to cancer treatments are presumed to have gotten the disease through their work, the city of Toledo is fighting a handful of such claims. Toledo Blade