New York officials said workers' compensation system reforms will reduce insurance rates for a second year with the cost declining by about 5 percent for 2009, following a 20.5 percent decrease for 2008.
Gov. David A. Paterson's announcement said there has been a total reduction of about 25 percent from the 2007 pre-reform rates.
At the same time, it was noted, maximum weekly benefits for workers recently increased to $550 per week and will continue to rise each year until 2010 when they will be indexed at two-thirds of the average weekly wage.
Mr. Paterson said, "Last year's historic agreement set the framework for workers' compensation reform, but the savings are actually produced through the difficult work of developing and implementing the proposals. We will continue to work hard to cut costs for New York businesses and improve benefits for injured workers."
He added that the state has made progress. "Two years ago, New York had one of the most expensive workers' compensation programs in the country. Now, we have one of the least expensive. We still need to do more, and I am committed to ensuring that this reform program makes New York a better place to do business and a safe and secure place to work."
The insurance department said comp law changes include:
o Increases in maximum weekly benefits from $400 to $500 in 2007, to $550 in 2008, $600 in 2009, and two-thirds of the statewide average weekly wage in 2010, where it will then be indexed annually.
o A streamlined system for resolving contested claims and promptly delivering benefits to injured workers, while reducing administration costs.
o Increased fraud and compliance actions, including stiffer penalties, to make sure everyone plays by the same rules.
o Medical treatment guidelines that will improve care at a more effective cost.
o A fair and even-handed set of guidelines for determining impairment and loss of wage earning capacity.
o Fee schedules and supplier networks for pharmaceuticals, diagnostic services and medical equipment that contain medical costs.
Related comp reform proposals are being developed by the Workers' Compensation Board, the Department of Labor and the New York Insurance Department, which also approves the rates for workers' comp insurance. The rates take effect Oct 1 each year.
The New York Insurance Department attributed the 2009 rate decline to a new rate approval system that encourages competition among insurance companies to lower rates.
Actual cost of paying claims for injured workers and the cost of a state assessment declined by 8.1 percent, according to data filed by the New York State Compensation Insurance Ratings Bureau (NYCIRB). Claims and assessments equal about 75 percent of the overall employer cost of workers' compensation insurance.
Insurance Superintendent Eric R. Dinallo said, "We are determined to be creative in finding ways to reduce costs for business while protecting workers. Encouraging insurance companies to compete by being more efficient is just one of the reforms we are implementing. We continue to work jointly with business, labor, insurers and the Legislature on making these reforms real and effective."
Kenneth Adams, Business Council of New York State president chief executive officer, said: "Lowering the cost of workers' compensation insurance is important to making our economy more competitive, especially in Upstate New York. These rate reductions reflect the legislative reforms adopted in 2007."
He said his group looks forward to working with Gov. Paterson, his agencies and the Legislature "in completing implementation of the 2007 reform package to assure long-term affordability of the state's workers compensation system."
Denis Hughes, New York State AFL-CIO president, said: "The New York State AFL-CIO is proud to have played a role in the historic agreement reached last year. We will continue to work with all interested parties to ensure a more efficient system that speeds the process for injured workers and continues to reform the system in a meaningful way. We applaud Governor Paterson for his commitment to this most important initiative."
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