Christine Baker, Director of California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), comments on WCIRB Rate Cut Recommendation By Lonce LaMon with the news release from the California DIR - April 5, 2017
Christine Baker made a statement today on the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Ratings Bureau’s (WCIRB) recommendation for a mid-year 7.8 percent rate reduction:
“The 2012 reforms in SB 863 sought to increase benefits and improve care to injured workers while controlling rising costs for employers. Not only did benefits for injured workers increase by 30 percent, but an anticipated rate spike was prevented. Employers have had four consecutive rate reductions, and today’s recommendation will continue that trend.
“Since 2012, DIR has made significant strides in its quest to eliminate medical provider fraud and illegitimate liens, and is continuing its efforts to launch a prescription drug formulary. These reform efforts seek to further improve treatment of injured workers while reducing costs in the system that would have been paid by employers. As evidenced by the WCIRB’s recommendation for a mid-year rate reduction, our recent reforms have brought both stability and sustainability to California’s workers’ compensation system.”
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lonce@adjustercom.com; Lonce LaMon, journalist; in coordination with the evening April 5th 2017 news release from the California Department of Industrial Relations, dir.ca.gov
Adjuster / Examiner Claims Examiner Santa Ana Unified School District Santa Ana, CA