HB 20-1154 Summary

• Clarifies that monetary benefits and penalties are deemed paid when received or delivered to the payee, or three days after postmark if sent by U.S. mail to the last-known address.

• Adds guardian and conservator services to required medical aid and establishes a fee schedule for these services; requires mileage reimbursement requests be submitted within 120 days with employer response within 30 days.

• Prohibits reduction of temporary or partial disability benefits based on apportionment under any circumstances and limits apportionment of permanent impairment to specific situations with burden of proof on employer or insurer.

• Lowers the whole person impairment rating threshold from 25% to 19% for determining maximum combined temporary and permanent partial disability payments.

• Prohibits employers from withdrawing admissions of liability after 2 years except for fraud; increases the earnings threshold from $4,000 to $7,500 per year for ceasing permanent total disability payments with annual adjustments starting in 2021.