[pbs911]

Not defending the current system, but rather support the restructuring the system. WC is out of control, as is unemployment, welfare and every other gov't entitlement program. It's a matter of profit and losses. Currently the profits are made by the insurance company - i.e. increased premiums. The losses are had by the business ower and ultimately the consumer who must absorbe the increased WC premiums paid for by the employer. the real loss is when the employer can no longer afford the premium and moves or goes out of business. This limits competition. i beleive that's why you see such a increase in foreign state businesses doing well in Ca. They can pass off the increased costs such as WC through profits earned in other states yet have a stronghold in the Ca economy. This allows them to drive out the Ca based competition.

What I was trying to convey is the WC sustem would benefit by a State funded program that is not run for profit. Currently all players in the WC game are in it for profit (i.e. attorneys fees, doctors, insurance companies.) Eliminate the profit players by replacing them with players who work at cost and you can reduce the cost to everyone. A State fund where all fees are regulated would work. What is driving up WC insurance rate is not the adollar amount of the claims, those have been set be statute a long time ago, rather it is the doctor, lawyer and insurance company who seek profits out of a claim. I compeltely agree that the funds currently paid to insurance companies would be better of going into a state fund.

I think the issue is much more fundamental and spans WC and all gov't entitlement programs. Such programs should be available only to those who are legaly entitled to them. If you are not entitled to be employed, it makes no sense that you are entitled to the benefits of gov't based programs. Period. Your hurt TFB.