Filed-Rate Doctrine Bars Employer's Challenge to Carrier's Audit Noncompliance Fee

A federal appellate court ruled that the filed-rate doctrine barred review of an employer’s challenge to the audit noncompliance charge assessed by its workers’ compensation insurance carrier. “When Star Mine Services refused to comply with its insurance company’s annual audit, it ended up with a hefty charge on its final bill,” the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals said. “Now, Star Mine tells us that charge is an unenforceable penalty. But because Kentucky’s insurance regulator blessed the rates that Kentucky insurance companies charge, Star Mine&rsq...