OR Notifies Employers Of Incentives

A. Between 1990 and 2005, the Eugene 4J School District received a more than $1.07 million in benefits from the Preferred Worker Program. The benefits the district received included the following:

- Wage subsidy - $249,050
- Premium exemption - $128,514
- Worksite modifications - $481,939
- New claim costs reimbursements - $214,700

However, the benefits didn't stop there. Between 1993 and 2005, the Eugene 4J School District also received nearly $500,000 in benefits through the Employer-at-Injury Program. In a 12-year period, 4J realized nearly $2 million from the Oregon return-to-work programs. 

B. Recent changes affecting the Preferred Worker Program and Employer-at-Injury Program go into effect Jan. 1, 2010.

The changes to OAR 436-105 - Employer-at-Injury Program (EAIP):

• Define "consumables," and allow the purchase of consumables under the EAIP
• Clarify limitations on worksite modifications
• Clarify minimum reimbursement thresholds and requirements for reimbursements of administrative costs

The changes to OAR 436-110 - Preferred Worker Program (PWP):

• Clarify the definition of "date of hire"
• Revise the definitions of "premium" and "reimbursable wages" to be consistent with the definitions in OAR 436-105
• Implement House Bill 2197 by clarifying procedures for use of premium exemption under ORS 656.622
• Provide a more specific time limit for requesting claims cost reimbursement
• Create a new employment purchase type - Job Placement Assistance

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