Which Workers Comp Wage Thresholds are Increasing for 2013???

Many of us don't agree with the wage threshold hikes, but we're just the messenger for the Workers Compensation Bureau & Insurance Commissioner.  Brokers in our office have had to make difficult phone calls in the past few weeks to our clients and explain the wage threshold increases.  And believe me, no one is happy about the changes.

Here are the workers compensation class codes that will see an increase in wage threshold effective January 1, 2013:

5403 & 5432 - Carpentry $26 per hour to $29 per hour

5467 & 5470 - Glaziers $26 per hour to $29 per hour

5027 & 5028 - Masonry $24 per hour to $27 per hour

5632 & 5633 - Steel Framing $26 per hour to $29 per hour

5446 & 5447 - Wallboard $26 per hour to $31 per hour

Electrical, plumbing, sheet metal and refrigeration class codes were all proposed to be increased but were not approved by the insurance commissioner.   

Also, for California, S.B. 863 was signed into law this past September and effective January 1, 2013.  It's overall goal is to reduce costs within the workers' comp system by addressing critical cost-drivers: minimizing delays in medical treatment, improving access to MPN care and increasing permanent disability benefits.  For more information on new insurance laws coming into effect in 2013 across the nation, check out this Insurance Journal Article HERE.  

Many of our clients are having to reevaluate their books for 2013 and beyond.  We hope that even due to these wage threshold increases that everyone has a prosperous and healthy new year!