The Hartford, First Health Group Workers’ Comp Network Approved in Texas

The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. reported it has gained certification to offer its workers’ compensation clients in the Houston area access to The Hartford Workers’ Compensation Health Care Network/FH, a new program which uses First Health Group Corp.’s newly certified group of service providers.

Texas last year passed House Bill 7, its comprehensive reform legislation, to help address the rising costs associated with workers’ compensation claims and to improve the percentage of workers returning to a job after an employment-related injury.

Among its provisions, this legislation created the Workers’ Compensation Health Care Networks Act that provides standards for certification, administration, evaluation and enforcement in delivering health care services to injured workers. The Texas Department of Insurance recently began certifying these provider networks and also specific insurer plans that use the networks.

State certification enables companies insured by The Hartford to opt-in to the plan and, in most cases, direct their injured workers to the network’s extensive group of credentialed medical care providers. Network access will be offered to Houston-area companies beginning in November.

The Hartford also plans to apply to extend the network to the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio areas. If the plan is approved in these areas, more than 80 percent of The Hartford’s Texas clients will have access to this highly-regarded health care network.

Source: The Hartford

Topics Texas Workers' Compensation