New York Disability Shakeup: Why TDI Reform and Telehealth Matter in Workers’ Compensation

New York faces growing pressure to modernize disability support. With TDI stagnant at $170/week and Assembly inaction, injured workers struggle. Meanwhile, crucial clarifications—like permanent telehealth coverage—are quietly improving care. As we track workers’ compensation trends, we see a balancing act between policy inertia and necessary change.

1. TDI Overhaul: Financial Relief That Meets Today’s Needs

Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) in New York hasn’t budged from $170/week in decades. In contrast, neighboring states offer far more generous caps—New Jersey’s exceeds $1,000/week. A bill currently on the Senate floor proposes a phased increase to 67% of the average weekly wage by 2030 youtube.com+3wcb.ny.gov+3wcb.ny.gov+3timesunion.com. Proponents argue it will reduce medical debt and financial distress across sectors and help small businesses compete.

2. Paid Leave Assembly Impasse

Advocates for higher disability benefits found a Senate ally in a proposal to match the Senate bill. Despite overwhelming support, the Assembly stalled, citing concerns about business and taxpayers timesunion.comtimesunion.com. The failure places burden back on injured workers and highlights a growing disconnect between legislature and lived reality.

3. Telehealth Goes Mainstream

In a win, telehealth visits for work-related injuries are now permanent, not pandemic-era exceptions wcb.ny.gov+1blog.daisybill.com+1. Providers—physicians, NPs, social workers, psychologists—can conduct virtual care, submit CMS-1500 forms, and streamline care delivery. The shift supports remote and underserved populations.

Why It Matters for Workers and Employers

• For Injured Workers: More generous TDI means less financial fallout; telehealth means faster, safer access to care.

• For Employers & Insurers: TDI expansion may impact payroll costs; better telehealth infrastructure may reduce claims duration.

• For Advocates: This is a crucial moment to mobilize support, hold the Assembly accountable, and underscore workers’ needs.

  
  

If you’re an injured New Yorker—or represent one—know that relief is possible but not here yet. Support TDI reform, leverage telehealth, and ensure every claim is managed with care. Together we can push back policy stasis and build a disability system New Yorkers deserve.