CorVel helps reduce workers’ compensation costs through immediate intervention, claims management, medical treatment plans, return to work programs, medical bill review, preferred provider savings and patient management. Our cost containment solutions are based on a simple formula that combines industry leading bill review, case management expertise and a national PPO built for the casualty market. Each innovation offers Kansas employers improved return to work outcomes and industry leading savings.
CorVel specializes in applying advanced communication and information technology to improve disability management for Kansas employers. Our proprietary solutions can be tailored to your specific state risk management program.
As a service to our clients, CorVel is providing links to information related to the COVID-19 pandemic provided by the states.
Legislature Status: No suspension or postponement of the legislative session has been announced.
Legislation
- SB 27 extends unemployment eligibility for workers who filed after January 1, 2020. Enacted
- SB 142 expands education waiver authorities during disaster emergencies. Enacted
- SB 102 expands authorities of the judicial branch during disasters. Enacted
- HCR 5025 Ratifies and provides the continuation of the March 12, 2020, state of disaster emergency declaration for the state of Kansas. Adopted.
- SB 66 Appropriates $50 million from the general fund to provide for the states response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Enacted.
- SB 386 Appropriates $1 million to the Division of Public Health for coronavirus prevention. Pending.
Kansas Regulatory Updates 2/6/2023
SB 28 – Discontinuing Payments to Certain Group-Funded Insurance Pools, Refunding Existing Balances Thereof and Abolishing Such Funds and Establishing the Group-Funded Pools Refund Fund.
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure establishes the group-funded pool refund fund. Money in the group-funded pools refund fund shall be used only for the purpose of refunding entities that have paid into the group-funded pools fee fund, refunds shall be distributed on a pro-rata basis, based upon premium taxes paid by each entity in the 2022 fiscal year. This measure requires that on 7/1/2023 the director shall transfer all money in the group-funded pools fee fund to the group-funded pools refund fund, all liabilities of the group-funded pools fee fund and the group-funded workers’ compensation fee fund will be transferred to the group-funded pools refund fund, and the group-funded pools fee.
Most Recent Update:
01/12/2023 This measure was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance. This measure awaits consideration from the committee of referral.
SB 38 – Increasing the Maximum Compensation Benefits Payable By an Employer For Permanent Total Disability Suffered By an Injured Employee.
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure pertains to workers compensation. This measure amends the maximum compensation benefits payable by an employer, stating it cannot exceed the following: for permanent total disability, including temporary total, temporary partial, permanent partial and temporary partial disability payments paid or due, $350,000 for an injury. This measure will take effect after its publication in the Kansas register.
Most Recent Update:
1/18/2023 This measure was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce. This measure awaits consideration from the committee of referral.
HB 2063 – Limiting Current Workers Compensation Benefit Reductions That Are Based on the Receipt of Retirement Benefits to Reductions Only to Permanent Disability Compensation and Only When Retirement Benefits Begin After the Accident.
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Marijuana), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure limits workers’ compensation reductions based on the receipt of retirement benefits to reductions of permanent disability compensation based on the receipt of retirement benefits that begin after an accident.
Most Recent Update:
01/18/2023 This measure has been referred to the House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development, chaired by Senator Sean Tarwater. This measure awaits consideration from the committee of referral.
HB 2096 – Requiring Certain Premium Taxes to Be Paid 90 Days After Each Calendar Year and Basing Such Premium Taxes Upon the Gross Premiums Collected For the Previous Calendar Year.
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure requires workers’ compensation insurance premiums to be paid within 90 days of the new calendar year, rather than the fiscal year.
Most Recent Update:
1/30/2023 This measure is scheduled for a hearing on January 30 in the Insurance Committee, chaired by Representative William Sutton (R). The Kansas legislature is meeting in person for the 2023 legislative session. Anyone wishing to testify may do so by submitting testimony via the committee page online. Some committees may allow in person testimony, but that is at the discretion of the Chair. A vote may occur at the discretion of the Chair. The measure may be referred to multiple committees.
Kansas Regulatory Updates 6/3/2021
HB 2040 – Changing the Workers Compensation Law Presumption of Disqualifying Drug Impairment on the Basis of Certain Drug Concentration Test Levels from Conclusive to Rebuttable and Removing the Presumption With Respect to Marijuana.
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Marijuana), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure amends Kansas code to make changes to workers’ compensation requirements regarding impairment at the time of injury. This measure is applicable to workers’ compensation insurers. This measure removes marijuana metabolite, delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol-9-carboxylic acid, and other specimens with amphetamines as reasons for impairment at the time of injury. This measure removes the provision allowing employees to overturn the results with clear and convincing evidence that they were not impaired. This measure requires a rebuttable presumption of impairment at the time of injury instead of having impairment be conclusively presumed. This measure makes other unsubstantial changes. This measure, if enacted, will take effect upon publication.
Most Recent Update:
1/10/2021 This measure will be carried over to the 2022 Legislative Session. The 2022 Legislative Session will convene on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 02:00 p.m.
Kansas Regulatory Updates 3/5/2021
HB 2040 – Changing the Workers Compensation Law Presumption of Disqualifying Drug Impairment on the Basis of Certain Drug Concentration Test Levels from Conclusive to Rebuttable and Removing the Presumption With Respect to Marijuana.
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Marijuana), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure amends Kansas code to make changes to workers’ compensation requirements regarding impairment at the time of injury. This measure is applicable to workers’ compensation insurers. This measure removes marijuana metabolite, delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol-9-carboxylic acid, and other specimens with amphetamines as reasons for impairment at the time of injury. This measure removes the provision allowing employees to overturn the results with clear and convincing evidence that they were not impaired. This measure requires a rebuttable presumption of impairment at the time of injury instead of having impairment be conclusively presumed. This measure makes other unsubstantial changes. This measure, if enacted, will take effect upon publication.
Most Recent Update:
1/10/2021 This measure has been referred to the House Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee, chaired by Representative Anderson (R). This measure is eligible to be scheduled for a hearing at the discretion of the chair.
Kansas Regulatory Updates 06/02/2020
HB 2260 – Updating the per diem for injured employees when away from their residence for medical treatment
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage And Reimbursement)
Summary:
The measure provides guidelines relating to per diem benefits for injured workers for medical treatment and amends K.S.A. 2018 Supp. 44-510h and 44-515.
The measure requires the employer to provide and pay for the services of a healthcare provider selected by the employer.
The measure increases the amount an employee may recover from an employer for unauthorized medical expenses from $500 to $1,500.
The measure allows the employee to receive an amount to defray their expenses per day.
The measure requires an employer to pay the actual costs of transportation rather than the amount prescribed for state officers and employees in the state.
Most Recent Update: This measure failed upon adjournment on May 21st.
2020 is the second half of the Kansas biennium so bills will not carryover into 2021. This measure will not receive further consideration.
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