Health Insurance Requirement Estimated to Add $500M in Costs Over 6 Years

Legislation that would require employers to continue paying health insurance premiums for injured workers would add more than $500 million in new costs over six years, according to an analysis by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. HB 2372 and SB 6067 would require employers to cover 100% of their contribution for health care benefits for workers injured on or after July 1 who suffer a permanent total disability. The bill would clarify that the employer's payment for health benefits is not included in the worker's wages when calculating benefits. L&I estimate...