The bill H.163 proposes several amendments to the workers' compensation laws in Vermont. It seeks to redefine "wages" to include health insurance benefits, thereby expanding the scope of what is considered compensation for workers. Additionally, the bill mandates that employers provide translation services for injured employees who are not fluent in English, ensuring they understand their rights and can effectively engage in the claims process. It also introduces the concept of medical case management, which involves planning and coordinating healthcare services to aid in the rehabilitation of injured employees, and allows claimants to request these services if supported by a healthcare provider.

Furthermore, the bill increases penalties for late payments of workers' compensation benefits. Employers are required to establish a specific day for payment and face escalating penalties for each subsequent late payment, starting at a 5% fee for the first late payment and increasing to 25% for the fifth and any subsequent late payments. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 21-602, 21-640b, 21-650