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Member, Beacon International Group, Ltd.
FRANKFORT, Ky.—The Kentucky Department of Insurance said Wednesday that it has approved an NCCI Holdings Inc. request to increase workers compensation rates for coal mining operation expenses tied to the federal health care reform law.
The health care reform package that President Barack Obama signed into law in March contained an amendment changing the federal Black Lung Benefits Act, making it easier for coal miners and their families to access workers comp benefits.
Boca Raton, Fla.-based NCCI obtained approval for a 3.8% increase for surface mine workers comp rates and a 6.2% increase for underground operations. The Kentucky rates are effective July 1.
NCCI has also requested rate increases of 5.9% for surface mines and 8% for underground mines in Virginia. In West Virginia, the rating agency is seeking a 7.1% rate increase for surface mines and an 8.3% increase for underground mines.