New York workers' comp rates are coming down

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Worker’s compensation insurance rates for New York-based trainers have declined significantly over the last two years and could decrease further with the implementation of a new high-deductible plan, according to a release put out over the weekend by the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

According to the release, the New York Jockey Injury Compensation Fund (NYJICF) has been able to lower horsemen’s cost for premiums to cover jockeys and exercise riders by $4,000 per trainer and $500 per owner. Further, rates for worker’s compensation insurance for grooms and hotwalkers have fallen 36 percent over two years, according to Joe Appelbaum, president of both NYTHA and the NYJICF.

Under a new proposed high-deductible plan, horsemen who maintain a clean safety record could see their premiums continue to decrease.

NYTHA has been able to work with NYRA to help reduce expenses and to implement the new high-deductible plan. NYRA has approved the use of $4.15 million from the purse cushion as collateral for the high-deductible plan.

Last June, NYRA agreed to not charge an insurance fee for a trainer’s first 12 stalls and that program is expected to continue in 2020. Further, NYRA has agreed to renew a $300 per start credit to horsemen for every off-the-board start at Aqueduct from January through March to help offset the cost of the $1,000 base premium payment and additional stall fees.

“NYTHA has worked diligently with our state legislators, the New York State Gaming Commission, and NYRA to find ways to reduce the cost of doing business in New York,” Appelbaum said.