WHAT PAYERS NEED TO KNOW - ARCHIVED UPDATES
March 9, 2026
Changes to Workers' Compensation Law Section 21-a – proposed regulations coming soon
In response to feedback from the payer community, Governor Kathy Hochul signed an amendment to Workers' Compensation Law Section 21-a (WCL § 21-a) to allow payers to provisionally pay for medical care under this section without admitting liability. Currently, WCL § 21-a only allows payers to pay for indemnity and prescribed medicine for up to one year without admitting liability. The amendment takes effect January 1, 2027, and the Board will soon be proposing regulations to help implement this law.
Read more in a notification dated March 5, 2026.
Implementation of electronic submission for Form RFA-2 effective March 20, 2026
As announced via Subject Number 046-1715 (September 12, 2024) and via GovDelivery notification (May 2, 2025), the Board is implementing electronic submission of the Request for Further Action by Insurer/Employer (RFA-2) eForm. Effective March 20, 2026, the Board will not accept or act on paper versions of the RFA-2 form submitted by insurers/employers. Additionally, the Board's current legacy RFA-2 web form will also become obsolete.
Read more in Subject Number 046-1800.
Webinar series: RFA-2 electronic submission mandate training
The Board is hosting free training webinars to ensure you're familiar with this new electronic submission process for the RFA-2 eForm. This training will provide a brief overview of the transition, preview how the eForm will be completed, and showcase the simplicity of submitting the RFA-2 form in eCase. Board subject matter experts will be taking questions at the end of the webinar.
The next training webinar is scheduled for March 10, 2026. Read more in a notification dated March 2, 2026, or visit the Upcoming Webinars page on our website to register.New guidance regarding electronic submission offset billing disputes
As part of the Board's CMS-1500 electronic submission mandate, providers were instructed they may offset the cost of each electronic CMS-1500 bill submission, up to a maximum of one dollar, by using CPT code 99080. The Board has underscored that payers who do not properly reimburse for this code may be subject to penalties.
In February, the Board sent new guidance instructing providers what to do if the offset isn't paid, and the proper way for payers to object to an offset.
Read more in a notification dated February 26, 2026.
Get your claims notices faster - download on demand
The Board offers a Download Claim Notices service for insurance carriers, third-party administrators, self-insured employers, and attorneys, providing instant access to workers' compensation claims notices. No more waiting for the mail!
Read more in a notification dated February 9, 2026. Visit the Download Claim Notices webpage to register and to view frequently asked questions, get support, and more.
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Reminders
The What Payers Need to Know section of the Board's website walks payers through getting started in the workers' compensation system, becoming a trading partner, administering claims, and more.
Electronic submission of the CMS-1500 form is mandatory. Visit CMS-1500 initiative for more details and send your questions to CMS1500@wcb.ny.gov.
Visit the Board's website for OnBoard training guides, webinar recordings, and other resources.
Efficiency Enhancements is a new communication with tips and best practices on using Board systems, processes, and forms in the most efficient, effective manner. Sign up to receive these, and other updates, straight to your inbox.
The latest versions of several Paid Family Leave presentations are available, including family care, foster care/adoption, military leave, and bonding. Visit the Paid Family Leave website for more information.
Stay informed!
Check out What Payers Need to Know on the Board's website for recorded webinars and guides.
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