An expert opinion article authored by GAB Sterling partners Femi Gbede and Bola Awujoola was recently featured in the New York Law Journal’s Litigation Special Report, offering strategic insight into Governor Hochul’s proposed reforms to New York’s workers’ compensation system.

The article analyzes the Governor’s plan to expand medical access for injured workers and explores the significant operational, financial, and compliance implications for insurance carriers across the state.

Among the key proposals are:

• Removing provider authorization requirements, enabling broader access to care.
• Increasing reimbursement rates to boost provider participation.
• Permitting health insurers to pay for treatment on disputed claims, with reimbursement rights.
• Expanding the pre-liability payment period for medical-only claims.

While these reforms aim to streamline care and reduce delays, they also pose complex challenges for carriers requiring proactive planning and system-wide readiness.

Read the full article in the New York Law Journal: https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2025/05/27/reforming-workers-compensation-governor-hochuls-plan-to-expand-medical-access-and-implications-for-carriers/