March 24, 2008

Sviggum appoints 12 to workers' compensation advisory work group about employer choice health care benefits

Commissioner Steve Sviggum has appointed 12 members to the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) Work Group on Employer Choice Health Care Benefits.

The work group, created by Sviggum, will make policy and operations recommendations after its members examine the employer choice options for workers' compensation, continuation of health care insurance and other benefits.

"The work group members will be the visionary leaders and reformers for the future of the state's workers' compensation system," Sviggum said. "Many states currently have some type of employer choice of medical provider for workers' compensation and we need to examine what systems work and would benefit Minnesota. In addition, this work group will face the question of continuation of medical insurance provided by the employer for an injured employee."

The 12 members are:

• Julie Anderson, Vadnais Heights, business representative, IAMAW;
• Stan Daniels, Minneapolis, political director, United Steel Workers;
• Lisa Frenette, St. Paul, government relations manager, Builders Association of Minnesota;
• Meg Kasting, Bloomington, vice president of claims, State Fund Mutual;
• Tom Koehler, Minneapolis, assistant business manager, IBEW 160;
• Judy Kurki-Coleman, Plymouth, administrator, Presbyterian Homes Maranatha Campus;
• Jessica Looman, St. Paul, staff attorney, Laborers' District Council;
• Tim Lovaasen, Bloomington, president, CWA Minnesota State Council;
• Rob McKenzie, St. Paul, president, United Auto Workers Local 879;
• Greg Schultz, Minneapolis, director of human resources, Andrew Residence;
• Marsha Studer, Minneapolis, vice president of risk management, Allina Health Systems; and
• Jerry Walthour, St. Paul, workers' compensation claims administrator, City of St. Paul.

The work group will be led by WCAC members Ray Waldron, Glen Johnson and Bob Lux. Its legislative liaisons will be Sen. Tom Bakk, D-Cook, and Rep. Bob Gunther, R-Fairmont.

"I am excited for the work group members to roll up their sleeves, remove their traditional hats and bring a thoughtful approach to workers' compensation in Minnesota for years to come," Sviggum said.

The work group's first meeting will be Wed., April 16, at 10 a.m., at the Department of Labor and Industry, 443 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul. Subsequent meetings will be on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. The work group will make its recommendations to the WCAC by Oct. 1, 2008.

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News media contact:
James Honerman
(651) 284-5313