This bill amends section 48-146.03 of the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act to modify provisions related to workers' compensation insurance policies and deductibles. It establishes that each workers' compensation insurance policy must offer a deductible for medical benefits ranging from five hundred to two thousand five hundred dollars per claim, as well as an optional deductible for all amounts paid by the insurer, capped at forty percent of the employer's annual premium. The bill also clarifies that the insurer remains liable for the full cost of medical benefits and other claims, with the employer responsible for reimbursing the insurer for any deductible amounts.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions effective January 1, 2027, stating that losses paid by the employer under the deductible will be credited against the employer's experience modification while the deductible option is in use, unless a gross reportable deductible policy is purchased. It also maintains that insurers are not required to offer a deductible if the employer lacks the financial ability to cover deductible amounts. The bill ensures that employees of policyholders with deductible policies are not responsible for paying any deductible amounts and preserves their right to select their physician, with violations classified as a Class II misdemeanor. The original section 48-146.03 is repealed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48-146.03