New York state workers' compensation benefits recipients had for years run into a problem similar to Medicare patients: the reimbursement rates for doctors were so low that many medical professionals tried to avoid seeing workers' comp claimants.

After years of pleading from the public for the New York State Workers' Compensation board to increase reimbursement rates for the first time since 1996, and it appears the board has done just that. The upshot of the potential 30 percent increase in health care providers' reimbursement rates is two fold. 

One, although authorized providers are required to take on new workers' comp patients if they are able to, more equitable rates could lead to more applications from those not in the system. This would lead to more options for treatment for New York state workers' comp recipients.

The other is that it could reduce the amount of workers' compensation fraud practice by medical providers who think it's an option. Other recent laws designed to limit workers' comp fraud include the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act, signed into law by Governor David Paterson on August 31.

Workers don't always realize that benefits include travel reimbursement and the cost of care if authorized by the board. For those looking to learn more about the process or how to fill out an application for workers' compensation benefits, contact the legal team at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. today.