Hospital Reimbursement, Claim-Handling Bills Heading to Governor

The Utah Senate passed bills that would lower reimbursement rates for hospitals not contracted with carriers and self-insured employers, and authorize a $5,000 fine for employers that interfere with the ability of a worker to file a comp claim. The Senate on Thursday voted 22-0 to approve amendments Sen. Karen Mayne, D-West Valley City, made to SB 64 while the measure was in the House of Representatives. As amended, the bill allows workers’ compensation carriers and self-insured employers to sign contracts with hospitals setting reimbursement rates. Without a contract, carriers and...