Hoffman Overrides Governor’s Veto of Bill to Help Workers and Hold Insurance Companies Accountable

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, recently led successful efforts to override the governor’s veto of legislation to bring coverage and relief to injured workers by holding workers’ compensation insurers accountable.   

“When tragedy strikes in the workplace and results in injury, it is incredibly important that we are looking out for the best interests of those who find themselves in unfavorable circumstances through no fault of their own,” Hoffman said. “The purpose of this bill is to hold the insurance industry accountable by requiring them to fork over the medical costs of their policyholders.”

Currently, insurance companies throughout the state have discretion in assessing whether or not to cover the medical costs of employees hurt on the job. This places an unjust financial burden on workers to foot the bill for medical expenses, which opens the door to legal disputes between employers, their employees and insurance companies.

To correct this existing loophole, Hoffman’s Senate Bill 904 establishes a mechanism whereby workers’ compensation insurers may be penalized for late payments to medical care professionals tasked with treating injured workers. The House voted 110-2 to override Gov. Rauner’s veto of the bill, which takes a three-pronged approach to:

• Pay hospitals and physicians dollars they are owed;
• Help workers by providing necessary medical treatment; and
• Assist businesses in getting employees back to work. 

“Men and women trying to earn an honest living deserve to have reasonable accommodations and protections in the event that they experience an unforeseen or incidental injury on the job,” Hoffman said. “The continued assault of insurance companies on protecting workers is unacceptable. I’m devoted to strengthening and upholding the rights of working people under the law.”