Essential workers have been in the headlines for over a year now and their diligent service has left them vulnerable to many serious risks.
According to the Connecticut Mirror, Connecticut’s legislature recently proposed two bills known as the Essential Worker Rescue Plan. These establish and expand workers’ compensation for healthcare personnel and other essential workers.
The Essential Worker Rescue Plan
Hosue Bill 6596 and Senate Bill 1002 recognizes the sacrifice and tremendous toll that essential workers were under during 2020 and through 2021. With the help of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, Connecticut has over $6 billion to invest in communities and workers.
Key features of the plan include:
- Requirements for the state to create an emergency stockpile of personal protective equipment
- Hazard pay for essential workers for past service
- Workers’ compensation benefits to treat qualifying instances of post-traumatic stress injuries
- Access for essential workers to receive healthcare and wage replacement benefits if they qualify
Of the $6 billion, $2.6 billion of unrestricted funds offers a flexible opportunity to assist workers who need it most.
As of now, these bills have not passed through the legislative process yet. It is unclear if or when they may reach the governor’s desk.
Workers’ compensation in Connecticut
Whether workers suffer from traumatic instances requiring urgent medical care or are essential workers at risk of illness that may cause them to lose employment for a time, workers’ compensation law is always changing or expanding. Questions about treatments available, out-of-pocket costs and how new legislation changes things may inform how a worker approaches their medical care.
It helps anyone to understand those options before, during and after they need that compensation.
