Former Comp Board Chair Wants Federal Death Benefits for Workers Killed by Virus

Long before the coronavirus pandemic has subsided, families of frontline workers lost to the disease may face a stark reality: Even if they can show that a COVID-19 illness was work-related, death benefits vary widely from state to state. The spouse of a nurse in Illinois may see weekly benefits as much as $1,500. But in Arkansas, the maximum is $695. Some families may spend years in litigation, fighting for benefits. Insurers could be hit with thousands of claims for which they never collected premiums. Employers of afflicted workers could see experience modifications and premiums spik...