State Gets $2.1 Million for RTW Pilot Program

Monday, October 1, 2018 | 0

The federal government has awarded a $2.1 million grant to the Connecticut Department of Labor, part of a program designed to return injured workers back to the job sooner.

Gov. Dannel Malloy

“The time is right for this initiative in Connecticut, where there is a significant need for earlier return-to-work communication and services to prevent long-term disability," Gov. Dannel Malloy announced Friday. "This grant will help us enhance those efforts.”

The 18-month pilot program will include the UConn Health Center, The Hartford Insurance Co., Capital Workforce Partners, the state Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission and other agencies. It will implement and track worker recovery, best practices and more individualized services for injured workers, officials said.

For participants who are out of work more than 30 days, coordinators will provide detailed planning and problem-solving, as well as assistance to employers. 

“UConn will provide specialized training to health care providers and others with the project, and coordination with The Hartford as the insurer will allow for incentive payments to providers that provide early return-to-work planning,” said Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Kurt Westby.