Governor Introduces Reforms to Address Rising Costs

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker introduced a series of workers’ compensation reforms that could cut system costs by nearly $4 million a year starting in 2023 by speeding up dispute resolutions and benefit delivery, cracking down on fraud and eliminating the second injury fund. The governor’s office said proposals introduced in Senate Bill 40, and its identical companion measure House Bill 79, were influenced by his discussions with system users. “The changes I have put forward will address the challenges facing both employers and employees, and the need for improving our curren...