This bill mandates that if an employee is unable to return to work due to a work-related injury and was provided health insurance by their employer at the time of the injury, the employer must continue to provide that health insurance for at least six months after the employee leaves employment. If the employer fails to comply, they will be liable for reimbursing the employee for any medical costs that would have been covered by the health insurance. Employers with 15 or more employees are required to include their policies regarding this provision in employment contracts, handbooks, or offers.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of an independent contractor for various employment-related laws, stating that an independent contractor is someone who works without control or direction from the employer, whose services are outside the employer's usual business operations, and who is engaged in an independently established trade or profession. The burden of proof lies with the employer to demonstrate that an individual qualifies as an independent contractor rather than an employee. This definition will apply to matters concerning workers' compensation, wage payment collection, minimum wage, and unemployment insurance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 85.61, 91A.2