September 30, 2015 5:00 PM

Downward trends continue in workers compensation claims, cost

“What remains to be addressed is going forward, how we’re going to continue to ensure that fraud is being prosecuted when it’s there, and how we can step up those issues in Travis County if funding for the Texas Mutual prosecutor goes away.”

The Insurance Council of Texas’ annual workers compensation forum tackled a variety of issues, including the reporting around Texas Mutual’s perceived conflict of interest as both prosecutor and insurer for workers compensation claims. The Travis County DA’s office announced on Wednesday it would not automatically renew its contract with Texas Mutual and would explore other alternatives.

Commissioner Ryan Brannan, who oversees the Texas Department of Insurance’s Division of Workers Compensation, took a neutral stance on the debate. Brannan said the agency continues to discuss how to move forward.

“While these circumstances may appear be unusual in Texas, which is a discussion for another day altogether, the system is fortunate to have some resources dedicated to pursing fraud investigations in Travis County,” Brannan said. “What remains to be addressed is going forward, how we’re going to continue to ensure that fraud is being prosecuted when it’s there, and how we can step up those issues in Travis County if funding for the Texas Mutual prosecutor goes away.”

By Kimberly Reeves