Witnesses lined up to speak out against workers' comp changes

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Intro:	Witnesses lined up at Monday's House Insurance Policy Committee to speak out against workers' comp changes.
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Wrap: The Committee heard a bill that would let employees choose health care providers under workers' comp.

Seven business-interest witnesses made it well known they are not in favor of the bill.

Democratic Representative Mike Colona is sponsoring the bill.

He says the bill would stop employers from firing employees who claim workers' comp but can't be treated.

But Republican Representative Kathie Conway says that isn't common practice.

Missouri Retailers Association President David Overfelt agreed with Conway when asked if that's how the program works.

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Description: Absolutely not. I mean, we'd be liable. We can't do that.

No immediate action was taken on the bill.

From the state Capitol, I'm Danielle McCarthy.

Intro:	The House Insurance Policy Committee heard little support for a bill that would change workers' comp.
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Wrap: The bill would allow an employee to choose a health care provider under workers' comp.

Under the current program, the employer makes that decision.

Democratic Representative Mike Colona is sponsoring the bill.

He says the bill would stop employees from thinking employer-chosen doctors make biased decisions based on contracts with the employer.

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Description: If we remove that incentive and allow employees to see their own doctors, then the perception of a system that works is going to be a heck of a lot higher.

But the House Insurance Policy Committee chair says some employees claiming workers' comp already have a say in which doctor they see at many big businesses.

No immediate action was taken on the bill.

From the state Capitol, I'm Danielle McCarthy.

Intro:	The House Insurance Policy Committee chairman isn't the only one who has a problem with a bill that would change the Missouri workers' comp program.
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Wrap: Witnesses filled the room waiting to speak out against the bill at the House Insurance Policy Committee hearing Monday.

The bill would allow an employee to see a health care provider of their choice under workers' comp.

Under the current program, the employer makes that decision.

Democratic Representative Mike Colona is sponsoring the bill.

He says the bill would add more integrity to the program.

But Committee Chairman Bob Nance disagrees.

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Description: There have been problems before. You know, your own doctor is going to be very generous in making an assumption as to what your problem is.

No immediate action was taken on the bill.

From the state Capitol, I'm Danielle McCarthy.