Nov. 19, 2025
HARRISBURG – To improve outcomes for workers who are injured on the job, and drive down health care costs, Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin) has introduced legislation to reform part of Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation law.
House Bill 1998 would improve the workers’ compensation system by providing an option for employers to use a health care network. Current law only allows employers to utilize a network approach for the first 90 days of treatment. Reichard’s legislation would remove the 90-day cap.
“We have seen time and again the benefits of injured workers staying with the same doctors throughout their road to recovery and return to the workplace,” Reichard said. “Changing care providers during treatment can be extremely difficult, not only for the worker, but also for care providers.”
On top of streamlined care, the legislation would also lower costs for employers with workers’ compensation by reducing claim costs. Reichard’s House Bill 1998 was the topic of a recent LIGER (Labor and Industry Government Efficiency Roundtable) hearing that featured experts in the field of workers’ compensation.
“This legislation threads the needle between lower costs and improving outcomes for injured workers,” Reichard said. “Workers’ comp coverage in Pennsylvania has been a stumbling block to attracting businesses to the state. This bill, while a small part of House Republicans’ push for an improved business climate, would help entice companies to locate here, while still providing exceptional care and recovery to injured workers.”
Editor’s Note: A video clip of Rep. Chad Reichard’s comments on House Bill 1998 from a recent information hearing is available for viewing and distribution. To download the clip, follow the link, click the three dots in the lower right corner of the screen and select download.
Representative Chad Reichard
90th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
RepReichard.com / Facebook.com/RepReichard