Supporters Eye Expanding Opt-Out Bill

By Bill Kidd, Central Bureau Chief.Supporters of legislation to allow Oklahoma employers to choose an alternative to workers’ compensation to deliver benefits to injured employees are looking at expanding the proposed program to allow additional businesses to qualify.Texas currently is the only state which allows an “opt-out” plan similar to that being considered by Oklahoma. However, Texas does not require any minimum level of benefits to be offered by nonsubscribers to workers’ compensation coverage, whereas Oklahoma’s plan would include minimum  benefits.A...