NY Lowers Premiums 25% in Two Years!

Governor Patterson announced that premiums have been lowered 25% for workers' compensation in New York over the last two years. Just how did NY do it?

They claim reduced claims, reduced administrative costs and an increase in weekly benenfits for a few. What they didn't mention is that NY is probably delivering lower benefits with slower service than before.

The ultimate consequence is that line for benefits becomes longer and the ultimate benefit is still capped at an incredibly low rate of $550. per week. Additionally, the NY State system is now cracking down on liberal impairment ratings and medical providers, modalities and drugs for injured worker.

The New York Alliance for Injured Workers declared, "The admirable goal of the 'rocket docket' regs was to speed the resolution of disputed workers' compensation claims. However, the new regs would do just the opposite, and cause further delay in the in receipt of benefits by injured workers."

Lower premiums translate to a lower performance and benefits to injured workers. A studious change evaluation of changes should be required in advance of change is warranted. NY must become more relastic of the consequence of changes.