Bill > S1353

This bill modifies the workers' compensation funeral benefits provision in Massachusetts by expanding the types of reimbursable expenses and increasing the maximum payment amount. Currently, the law allows insurers to pay reasonable burial expenses up to eight times the average weekly wage in the state. The proposed change would broaden the definition of reimbursable final disposition expenses to include a wider range of funeral and memorial-related costs such as funeral visitation services, interment space, burial services, flowers, casket, death notices, and headstone. More significantly, the bill increases the maximum reimbursement to either $25,000 or 10 times the average weekly wage, whichever is greater. This change would provide more comprehensive financial support to families of workers who die in work-related incidents, helping to offset the substantial costs associated with funeral and memorial services. The bill aims to ensure that workers' families receive more robust compensation for end-of-life expenses in the event of a work-related death.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1353