WTF in Arizona Workers Comp

Arizona is kind of an odd state when it comes to the regulation of Workers Compensation insurance. Odd, in that it appears to essentially have no regulation or oversight of insurance companies regarding Workers Compensation insurance. The Department of Insurance says they don't get involved in Workers Comp insurance, no sir, no way, you have to talk to the Industrial Commission. And the Industrial Commission says no, we don't get involved in regulation or oversight of the insurance companies, we just provide oversight and regulation of employers in regards Workers Comp.

Wait, it gets better (well, worse, actually.) Arizona allows workers to legally waive themselves out of Workers Comp coverage. But it's supposed to be their own idea--no, really. The employer isn't supposed to suggest it or ask for it or pressure them or anything like that--wink, wink, nudge nudge. No potential for abuse here, I'm sure.

So basically, if an insurance company decides to impose some rule or policy that they just made up regarding how they compute Workers Comp insurance premiums, , the employer really doesn't have anyone to turn to. They could hire a lawyer, I suppose, and try to fight in court, but for lots of employers that recourse is too expensive and unsure to be a viable option.

I try not to let politics enter into this blog much--but really? I know Arizona politics is dominated by Republicans, but I thought the GOP also championed small business, and not just the big guys like the insurance companies.

In Arizona, not so much, it appears.