Proposed Legislation Aims to Reform Washington Workers’ Comp Benefits
- Washington lawmakers are evaluating two bills designed to update the state’s workers’ compensation program.
- House Bill 2218 proposes expanding medical options for injured workers, granting more choices in doctors and treatments for severe injuries.
- House Bill 2372 intends to modify long-term disability calculations to incorporate family needs, providing fairer benefits for unmarried workers with children.
- These legislative efforts aim to enhance healthcare quality and financial stability for those injured on the job.
NFIB Warns of Rising Costs as Workers’ Comp Benefit Bills Advance
- The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) opposes two bills that would reportedly increase workers’ compensation costs by an estimated $500 million over six years.
- While proponents argue these measures would assist injured workers with health insurance, NFIB claims there is no guarantee funds would be used for premiums.
- The bills have advanced from labor committees to fiscal committees.
- NFIB warns the resulting tax increases would burden small businesses without ensuring benefits for workers.
Workers’ Compensation Insurer Pinnacol Assurance Appoints Alicia Allen as CFO
- Pinnacol Assurance, identified as Colorado’s leading workers’ compensation insurer, has appointed Alicia Allen as Chief Financial Officer.
- Allen has over a decade with the company, having previously served as Chief Accounting Officer and Associate Vice President of Finance.
- She now oversees corporate strategy, risk, and actuarial functions for the company, which provides injured worker care and safety solutions.
- Allen succeeds Kathy Kranz, who moved to the role of President at EverPeak Insurance.