Workers’ Compensation
Washington state continues to have a compulsory workers’ compensation system that is one of the most expensive and administratively complex in the nation. Participants from the listening sessions reported rates 30 percent more than Oregon and 50 percent more than California. The last major workers’ compensation reforms were passed in 2011, yet some of the largest cost-saving reforms have not produced the promised savings or increased efficiencies. The fact that Washington state pays out at least two times the number of lifetime pensions of any other state is one example of the dysfunction in the system. Furthermore, there are cases in some industries where workers receive more money from workers’ compensation than by working. Small business in particular is hurt by the participants from the listening sessions reported worker’ s comp rates
30 %
50 % and more than oregon
more than california. regressive workers’ compensation system in Washington state. We want to ensure that the benefit package to Washington workers can continue, that the state fund remains solvent, that costly fraudulent claims are addressed in a timely manner, and that workers and employers pay affordable premium rates. However, to achieve these goals, real cost reductions and increased efficiency in the workers’ compensation system are necessary and will result in a better outcome for both injured workers and employers.