New York Expands Access to Workers’ Comp Medical Care

Big win for injured workers with new FY 2026 legislation

A recent article from FingerLakesDailyNews.com – May 16, 2025 – highlights major progress for injured workers in New York. As part of the FY 2026 Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation that improves access to medical care under the workers’ compensation system.

This reform includes two major changes aimed at reducing treatment delays and improving outcomes for patients across the state.

Change #1: 20,000 New Physicians Can Now Treat Injured Workers

Effective immediately, resident and fellow physicians in ACGME-accredited programs are now authorized to treat workers’ comp patients—as long as they are supervised by a licensed faculty physician.

Here’s what that means:

• 20,000+ additional doctors are now available to treat injured workers

• 1,400+ medical training programs across New York can offer workers’ comp care

• Nearly 70 teaching hospitals statewide are now participating more fully

This change aligns workers’ comp with standard health insurance rules and helps expand access to high-demand specialties like:

• Orthopedics

• Pain management

• Neurology

In short, injured workers will get faster, more specialized care—when and where they need it.

Change #2: Medical-Only Claims Now Covered by Section 21-a (Starting Jan 1, 2027)

The second major update is a game-changer for most workers’ comp cases.

New York Workers’ Compensation Law Section 21-a is being amended to cover medical-only claims, which currently make up more than 60% of all workers’ comp cases.

What’s different under the new law:

• Insurers can begin paying for medical treatment immediately (up to one year) without admitting liability

• This now includes medical-only claims—not just cases involving lost wages

• Patients experience fewer delays, less litigation, and less stress

• Insurers must notify injured workers when payments are being made under this rule

• After one year, claims are automatically accepted unless disputed

This reduces confusion, speeds up access to care, and improves outcomes for both workers and medical providers.

Why These Changes Matter

These new laws represent a major win for injured workers, doctors, and clinics across New York:

For injured workers:

• Faster access to care

• More treatment options, including specialty care

• Fewer disputes and delays

For doctors and clinics:

• More predictable payments

• Easier system navigation

• Reduced administrative barriers

RescueMeds Supports This Reform

While RescueMeds is not currently licensed in New York, we fully support these forward-thinking changes. We continue to advocate for patient-first policies and faster access to care across all 50 states.

These improvements show what’s possible when lawmakers listen to workers, doctors, and advocates—and act on it.