Most Kentucky workers are familiar with the safety guidelines and procedures affiliated with employment — at least, to some degree. When an accident occurs, however, few know the ins and outs of the workers’ compensation process. Before diving into a case, employees may want to consider current changes in the state’s system, as well as some of the common hiccups of this procedure.
Just yesterday, Insurance Journal reported that Kentucky would be proceeding with changes to its workers’ compensation system. A side of state law that has not seen change in over 20 years, the state’s workers’ compensation program aims to contain costs and improve the process for workers altogether. Lawmakers hope that House Bill 2 will not only make improvements in medical expenses and benefits for workers, but also that these modifications will address the ongoing opioid crisis that continues to claim the lives of countless Americans.
How might this improve the situation? According to Insurance Journal, Kentucky has become more strict in its medical guidelines and its pharmaceutical approaches when helping injured workers. The new bill contains further details on potential changes regarding maximum compensation rates, rehabilitation services, disability benefits and other aspects of workers’ compensation.
Even with legislative advancements on the horizon, Kentucky employees may still face the occasional obstacle in the workers’ compensation process. The International Risk Management Institute outlines some common problems workers face when it comes to this program, naming the viability of workers’ compensation as one of the top issues. Ambiguity surrounding plans can also pose issues; not all workers receive coverage. Other states create exceptions in regard to the type of workers that are protected under the compensation plan. Strict insurance regulations are another common catalyst for workers’ compensation issues. There are pages of fine print to most employment safety programs, and employees should know the basics when approaching such a potentially difficult situation.