{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ep. 142 - What to Expect in 2026 for CA Workers\u2019 Comp","description":" In Episode #142 of Work Comp Talk, host Carmen Ramirez and co-host and attorney Bilal Kassem break down what to expect in the California workers\u2019 compensation system for 2026, what changed, what\u2019s still a bottleneck, and what steps help shift your case from the system to help you stay in control.   They cover 6 key updates for injured workers, including benefit rate changes (Temporary Disability), mileage reimbursement, medical treatment authorization realities (MTUS\/ACOEM + UR\/IMR), stronger pathways for uninsured employer cases, worker-group protections (presumptions), and expanded awareness around death benefits.   If you've been injured at work and are confused by benefit checks, overwhelmed by paperwork, waiting on treatment approvals, or worried your case is \u201cstuck,\u201d Work Comp Talk\u2019s episode 142 is your workers\u2019 comp protection playbook.    In this episode, you\u2019ll learn:  \u2022 What changed in 2026 regarding TD benefit rates \u2022 The new mileage rate and why it can add up to real money \u2022 How treatment approvals work in 2026 (UR\/IMR) and what to do when treatment is denied \u2022 What happens if your employer has no workers\u2019 comp insurance, and how UEBTF can protect you \u2022 New\/expanded protections for specific worker groups (presumptions and related updates) \u2022 What to watch for next: SIBTF pressure, AB 1576 discussion, and potential future benefit restrictions \u2022 A practical \u201csurvival checklist\u201d to keep your case from stalling    Chapters  00:00 2026 workers\u2019 comp updates overview 01:32 TD benefits + new max\/min rates 02:52 Mileage reimbursement increase 05:56 Medical treatment rules, UR\/IMR, and denial \u201cfixes\u201d 08:42 Uninsured employers + UEBTF protections 12:53 Presumptions and protections for specific worker groups 14:49 Death benefits extension (school to age 26) 16:48 What\u2019s pending for 2027 (AB 1576 \/ SIBTF) 19:44 Your 2026 \u201ccase protection\u201d checklist 21:57 Possible return of PD rate increase legislation    This episode is sponsored by Pacific Workers, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, the trusted workers\u2019 compensation law firm in Northern California. With over 13,000 cases won and more than $355 million recovered for injured workers, we are here to help if you\u2019ve suffered a workplace injury.    Visit our FAQ and blogs for more resources:  https:\/\/www.pacificworkers.com\/blog\/     Follow Us on Social Media for More Content!   \ud83d\udd39 Website: www.workcomptalk.net  \ud83d\udd39 Sponsors: www.PacificWorkers.com   \ud83d\udd39 TikTok: @pacificworkers    ","author_name":"Work Comp Talk Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/workcomptalk.net","html":"