Why is an Option Program so Important?

The Option is a voluntary alternative to traditional workers’ compensation. To achieve better outcomes for injured workers and employers, an Option alternative provides:

  1. Better Communication. Employees and employers freely communicating and engaging is a pre-requisite to employee accountability and appreciation, improved service, and fewer disputes.
  2. Employee Advocacy. A legal duty to focus the management of injury claims on the best interests of employees resulting in fewer disputes, less regulatory involvement, cost containment, more efficient court process, and lower taxpayer expense.
  3. More Employer, Employee and Medical Provider Accountability. Requirements for accident reporting and medical treatment can rely on widely-acknowledged best practices and medical evidence, rather than traditional system features that remove accountability, involve too many ancillary players, and fail to achieve the best medical outcomes.  More accountability also supports improved injury benefits.
  4. Free-Market Insurance Competition. Insurance companies must be willing to offer any required Option program benefits and liability insurance coverage.

Such an approach creates fewer benefit claims disputes, better medical outcomes, and higher employee satisfaction.

An Option does not repeal or eliminate a state workers’ compensation system.  It is a voluntary alternative which maintains state and federal standards and oversight.  Currently, Texas and Oklahoma offer alternatives that are resulting in improved employee outcomes.

Benefits of an Option to Workers’ Compensation

optiongraphic

 

Why Employee Satisfaction Improves with an Option

  • Personal Choice: Research shows when given a choice, employees prefer an Option.
  • Better Access to Care: Provides employees better access to healthcare through a broader and quality network of medical experts.
  • Personalized Service: Provides an increased level of assistance provided by qualified service professionals that understand the employee’s specific healthcare needs.
  • Equal to or Better Benefits: Provides the employee benefits equal to or better benefits than the current workers’ compensation system.
  • Enhanced Understanding: The employee receives more communication and a better understanding of the benefits provided.
  • Better Wage Compensation: Results in a higher percentage of wages replaced with fewer days without pay.

Option Program Resource Materials

Loading...