CT HB06916

Establishes a task force to identify the extent of unreasonably contested or delayed workers' compensation claims, study remedies and liability expansion, and clarify bad faith handling law.

Task force shall examine claim handling when workers have employee health insurance, whether benefit plans should pay during commission determinations, claim handling without insurance coverage, insurance commissioner fining authority, medical professional compliance with guidelines, and payment of benefits without prejudice during contests.

Task force shall also study remedies for undue payment delays causing treatment delays and job loss, data systems for treatment and recovery timeframes, and unfair claim-handling practices violating Connecticut Unfair Insurance Practices Act including misrepresentation, failure to promptly acknowledge claims, inadequate investigation standards, and unreasonable delays in affirming or denying coverage.

Task force composition includes 20 members appointed by legislative leaders and commissioners, representing trial lawyers, defense lawyers, physicians, injured workers, business interests, insurance carriers, and relevant state departments by August 1, 2019.

Task force shall submit findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee on labor by January 1, 2020, and shall terminate upon report submission or January 1, 2020, whichever is later.