Top 10 List of Work Comp Audit Errors

Home Page

Who We Are

Who We Help

Are You Overcharged for Workers Compensation?

How We Fix Work Comp Errors

How Are We Paid

How To Get Started

What We Need From You

Refer A Client

About Our Owner

FAQ

Contact Information

Prepare for a Work Comp Audit

How to Dispute a Work Comp Audit

Forms

Work Comp Glossary

Workers Compensation Resources


Massachusetts Workers Compensation Laws

Workers compensation policy information for the State of Massachusetts

State:  Massachusetts

Authority/Rating Bureau:  Workers Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau. Contact them at:

The Workers' Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts
101 Arch Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
General Phone Number (617) 439-9030
General FAX Number(617) 439-6055
http://www.wcribma.org/mass/contactUs.aspx

Compulsory:  Yes

Private Insurance:  Allowed

Self-Insurance:  Allowed

State Fund:  None

Assigned Risk:  Operated by the Workers Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau. Contact them at:

The Workers' Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts
101 Arch Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
General Phone Number (617) 439-9030
General FAX Number(617) 439-6055
http://www.wcribma.org/mass/contactUs.aspx



Numerical Exceptions:  None

Individual Waivers Allowed:  Not allowed

Sole Proprietor:  Excluded from coverage/may elect to be included - sole proprietors of an unincorporated business are not required to carry workers' compensation insurance for themselves. However, under a change to the law in 2002, sole proprietors may now choose to purchase workers' compensation insurance coverage for themselves. $39,800 used to calculate premium for sole proprietors effective 10-1-8.

Partners:  Excluded from coverage/may elect to be included - partners of an unincorporated business are not required to carry workers' compensation insurance for themselves. However, under a change to the law in 2002, partners may now choose to purchase workers' compensation insurance coverage for themselves. $39,800 used to calculate premium for partners effective 10-1-8.

Corporate Officers:  Included in coverage/may elect to be exempt - Any corporate officer who owns at least 25% interest in the corporation may exercise their right to exempt themselves from the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act. In order for corporate officers to exercise this right of exemption, all eligible corporate officers must sign the Affidavit of Exemption for Certain Corporate Officers or Directors - Form 153, stating whether or not they wish to exempt themselves. The exemption must be filed with the DIA's Office of Investigations in Boston for approval. Minimum payroll used for included corporate officer is $200 per week, or $10,400 per year. Maximum payroll used for included corporate officer is $1,000 per week, or $52,000 per year.

LLC Members:  Members of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and partners of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) are not required to carry workers' compensation insurance for themselves. However, under a change to the law in 2002, such members may now choose to purchase workers' compensation insurance coverage for themselves. $39,800 used to calculate premium for included members effective 10-1-8.



Contractors:  A touchy subject! The Attorney General's Office has released an Advisory on the Massachusetts Independent Contractor/Misclassification Law (M.G.L. c. 149, s. 148B). The Commonwealth’s Independent Contractor Law was designed to protect workers and ensure a level playing field among employers. The Advisory articulates the purposes of the law and provides guidance on the three prong test and other areas of the Law. In addition, the Advisory includes Enforcement Guidelines describing the areas of concern and factors which may be used by the Attorney General's Office in making a determination about enforcement. Go here to read the advisory:
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_05_01_contractor_advisory&csid=Cago

Special Notes:  Family members must be covered by workers' compensation insurance even if they are the only employees of the company. For all interstate experience rated risks, copies of the Massachusetts experience is filed with the WCRIB of MA and with the NCCI.



Regulated By: 

Division of Insurance
One South Station, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02110-2208
(617) 521-7794
(617) 521-7490 (TTD/TDD)
http://mass.gov/doi/

Workers Compensation Statute: 

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-152-toc.htm


Information on this page is provided only as a reference. While we strive to mantain accurate information on this site please realize workers compensation laws are complicated and subject to change at any time. If you need help with a workers compensation problem or have a specific situation or question please contact our office. Otherwise please consult your states governing authority or an attorney in your state of residency for assistance.


Contact Us:
WORKERS COMPENSATION CONSULTANT
Voice: (573) 999-6948
Fax: (573) 447-4998
email: rks@workcompconsultant.com


Disclaimer - Privacy

Copyright © 2008-2009 Workers Comp Consultants, Inc. All rights reserved.