Lawson Group and providers debate Senate Bill 67's impact on workers' compensation claims

During a recent meeting of the New Hampshire House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services Committee, significant discussions centered around proposed changes to the state's workers' compensation system, particularly Senate Bill 67. The bill aims to establish a structured timeline for resolving disputes between healthcare providers and insurance carriers regarding payment for medical services rendered to injured workers.

The primary focus of the meeting was the introduction of a 90-day limit for providers to notify insurers of disputes over payments, followed by an additional 90 days for negotiations. This proposal has sparked a heated debate among stakeholders, including healthcare providers, insurance representatives, and lawmakers.

Several healthcare providers voiced strong opposition to the bill, arguing that the proposed timeframes are insufficient given the complexities of workers' compensation claims. Jennifer White, CEO of Concord Orthopedics, emphasized that claims often take longer than 30 days to process, with many payments being incorrect or delayed. She suggested that a timeframe of 12 to 18 months would be more reasonable for resolving disputes, as it aligns with the time patients have to appeal denied claims.

Peter Bragdon, representing the Lawson Group, countered that the proposed 90-day limit is a reasonable compromise that would prevent disputes from dragging on indefinitely. He noted that the current system allows for prolonged negotiations, which can lead to financial uncertainty for both providers and insurers. Bragdon highlighted the importance of establishing clear deadlines to encourage timely resolutions.

The committee also discussed the potential impact of the bill on the Department of Labor, with concerns raised about an increase in hearing requests if the proposed changes are enacted. Daniel Albert, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Labor, acknowledged that while the department is neutral on the bill, it could lead to a higher volume of disputes requiring resolution.

As the meeting progressed, lawmakers considered amendments to the bill, including extending the negotiation period to 90 days for both notification and resolution. However, some representatives cautioned that extending the timeframe could lead to further delays in settling claims.

The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges within New Hampshire's workers' compensation system, particularly the need for a balance between protecting the interests of healthcare providers and ensuring timely payments from insurers. As the committee prepares to vote on the bill, the outcome will have significant implications for the state's healthcare landscape and the management of workers' compensation claims.