Fraud-busting at the IWCC. What a hoot!!
Editor’s comment: We are chagrined to see the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission is now touting the fact the Illinois Department of Insurance has gotten a conviction of a workers’ compensation insurance broker. They actually have reported his name and crimes in detail on their website. There is a link to his sentence.
In stark contrast, the Commission still adamantly refuses to publish the names, crimes or sentences of any misguided claimants. Their website says:
To date, the Illinois Department of Insurance Fraud Unit has referred cases that led to seven convictions of claimants, and now one conviction against an insurance agent. New indictments continue to come in. Congratulations to the IDOI.
Congratulations, indeed!!! The “fraud-busters” have been in business for four years. The wise-guys who run the Commission don’t mind attacking Illinois business. They feel publishing the names of miscreants who abuse the workers’ compensation system in this state is bad for new business.
Further, seven busts in four years is, in our minds, hilarious. The cost to Illinois business has to be several million dollars with no indication any restitution has been paid. The “dirty secret” of WC fraud in this state is the unquestioned truth the vast majority of Illinois states’ attorneys won’t consider charges once the Illinois Department of Insurance refers a claim for prosecution. Such matters are simply dropped. We hope the next administration brings workers’ compensation fraud reform to the table.
We appreciate your thoughts and comments.
