Rein in Excessive Workers' Comp Insurance Company Profits- Help Restore Fairness to Injured Workers!

Send A Letter Today!

The pendulum has swung too far in our workers' compensation system.  Permanently disabled workers have had their benefits slashed by nearly 70%.  Medical treatment continues to be delayed and denied.  Employers have saved over $14 billion in costs.

And the insurance companies are making historic profits.  For every dollar in premium they collect, they are paying out, on average, 36 cents in benefits and 37 cents is going to profits.  Insurance companies are making more in profits then they are paying out in benefits.  This inequity is outrageous. 

That's why we are sponsoring insurance rate oversight legislation (AB 2692, Hernandez).  This bill would require the Insurance Commissioner to set a floor on how much insurers must spend on benefits by establishing a minimum loss ratio.  For insurance companies who don't meet the minimum loss ratio, the Insurance Commissioner would impose rate oversight. 

Urge legislators to support this important reform- send a letter today using our simple online form.

Governor Schwarzenegger and a majority of the legislature last year supported establishing a medical loss ratio of 85% for health insurers. Workers' comp insurance companies should be subject to a similar standard.  AB 2692 is set to be heard in the Assembly Insurance Committee on Wednesday, April 16th.  Committee members have yet to commit to supporting this important Labor sponsored bills.  Union members must weigh in with their legislators to guarantee that this important bill continues to move. 

Send a letter today and help rein in these profiteering insurance companies!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Support AB 2692 and Protect Californians Injured at Work from Sky-Rocketing Health Care Costs!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

The pendulum has swung too far in our workers' compensation system. Permanently disabled workers have had their benefits slashed by nearly 70%. Medical treatment continues to be delayed and denied. Employers have saved over $14 billion in costs.

And the insurance companies are making historic profits. For every dollar in premium they collect, they are paying out, on average, 36 cents in benefits and 37 cents is going to profits. Insurance companies are making more in profits then they are paying out in benefits. This inequity is outrageous.

AB 2692 would require the Insurance Commissioner to set a floor on how much insurers must spend on benefits by establishing a minimum loss ratio. For insurance companies who don't meet the minimum loss ratio, the Insurance Commissioner would impose rate oversight.

Governor Schwarzenegger and a majority of the legislature last year supported establishing a medical loss ratio of 85% for health insurers. Workers' comp insurance companies should be subject to a similar standard.

Please help begin to restore fairness and equity in the workers' comp system by supporting AB 2692. Workers and employers deserve it.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 10, 2008



Background Information

 

Resources on Worksite Safety and Compensation:

 

Doctor Predesignation Form Use this form to predesignate your own doctor in the case of illness or injury on the job, and encourage other union members to do so as well.

 

Guidebook for California’s Injured Workers This guide helps California workers with job injuries understand their legal rights and responsibilities, and outlines the steps to take to request workers' compensation benefits.

 

California Division of Occupational Safety and Health The state’s Department of Industrial Relations provides information on injury prevention, public safety, filing a complaint and more.

 

WORKSAFE! a broad coalition of Californians in favor of worker occupational safety and health protection.

 

AFL-CIO Safety and Health at Work Click here for the latest news and resources on federal health and safety issues.

 

Voters Injured at Work a non-profit political organization that advocates for fair and adequate compensation for injured workers.

 

 

Visit http://www.calaborfed.org/issues/workers_comp.html for more information and resources on workers' compensation and worksite safety.