Workers Comp "Reforms" Hit Workers Even Harder Than Expected

The massive changes to the state's workers comp system went even further than they even expected, according to a new study. They expected that the savings would be $10.1 billion (amounting to a 49% cut), but in reality they have cut $14.5 billion (a 70% cut) in medical treatment and benefit payments. The study's results have strengthened the case that the governor needs to go back and ensure that workers have adequate medical care and benefits. There are a few bills sitting on his desk designed to do just that. SacBee:

Moreover, the report puts pressure on Schwarzenegger to sign a series of workers' compensation bills on his desk or rewrite state rules to determine treatment and benefits, especially those dealing with permanent disabilities.

Medical providers and advocates for injured workers said Wednesday they weren't surprised by the findings. Studies by other workers' compensation experts have reported a similar trend.

"It just reinforces what we have been saying all along. Injured workers have been taking a hit across the board," said Sue Borg, president of the California Applicants Attorneys' Association, which represents injured workers.

SB 936 would double permanent disability benefits over a three-year period. It is sitting on his desk again, after he vetoed identical legislation last year, "saying there wasn't enough analysis to justify such an increase". Well, now he has it. Thus far he has not commented on the bill, though his spokeswoman did say that: "The governor has been quite vocal about rolling back any of the successful 2004 workers' compensation reforms." Will the new information change his mind?