(a) For purposes of providing cost-efficient workers’ compensation coverage for in-home supportive services providers under this article, the department shall assume responsibility for providing workers’ compensation coverage for employees of nonprofit agencies and proprietary agencies who provide in-home supportive services pursuant to contracts with counties. The workers’ compensation coverage provided for these employees shall be provided on the same terms as provided to providers under Section 12302.2 and 12302.5.
(b) A county that has existing contracts with nonprofit agencies or proprietary agencies whose employees will be provided workers’ compensation coverage by the department pursuant to subdivision (a), shall reduce the contract hourly rate by fifty cents ($0.50) per hour, effective on the date that the department implements this section.