7 Workers’ Compensation trends to Watch in 2018
The workers’ compensation industry is evolving, and there are certain obvious trends to watch in 2018.
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As a welfare program for workers injured on the job as well as those falling ill due to some job condition or other, workers’ compensation benefits people working in various industrial sectors. The system ensures that compensation is rewarded to genuine cases based on a medical records review. It is expected that employers will find certain significant changes and challenges that could affect their workers’ compensation insurance in 2018. Apart from affecting premiums, these changes could also affect how you do business and remain in compliance. 1. Reduction in rates: In early 2017, many states experienced a reduction in workers’ compensation rates, which was the first decrease since 2007. The Department of Labor says that the expected reduction would save businesses almost $67 million in premiums, or $34 less in WC coverage per employee. It is expected that in most states, the rates will dip in 2018 as claims frequency declines and workplace safety continues to improve. With fewer claims to pay, companies get to save money and increase profit. 2. Increased focus on pain management: The opioid crisis, narcotics avoidance, formularies, and deaths related to opioids are all very much discussed now. Experts say that 2018 provides the opportunity to increase the understanding of these issues and willingness to modify treatment protocols for patients experiencing acute and chronic pain. More collaboration is expected among employers, physicians, pharmacists, claims specialists, and patients as they shift from longterm drug therapy and test alternatives such as pharmacy management, physical therapy, pain-coaching partnerships, physician-patient opioid contracts and behavioural networks among others. Customized care and working in partnership with the patients and their families or other support systems, and providers will help develop a treatment plan that ensures the best outcome. 3. Establishing standards between state workers’ comp systems: Workers’ compensation benefits for people performing the same job could vary significantly in different states. Payers find the lack of consistency regarding state forms, data templates, and the definition of disability itself very challenging. Establishing standards between state workers’ compensation systems is necessary. 4. Judicial changes: The practice of workers’ compensation is often changed by judges in their state based on their interpretation of the statutes. Such changes can have considerable impact of the benefits paid to workers. Pennsylvania, Kansas,
and
Alabama
are
among
the states
that
have
challenged
the
constitutionality of workers’ compensation. This trend is expected to continue in 2018.
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5. New treatment guidelines/drug formularies: California, Arkansas, and New York are expected to implement new treatment guidelines or drug formularies in 2018. Montana is also planning to do this, but a timeline has not so far been set. In 2017, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Louisiana considered either treatment guidelines or drug formularies, and are expected to revisit this in 2018. 6. MMJ or Medical Marijuana: At present, there are no national or state medical guidelines for workers’ compensation that guide or advise treatment with MMJ. Laws related to MMJ use vary from state to state and is likely to continue to evolve. Employers who must comply with the Drug-free Workplace Act, and employees who test positive for MMJ will find this difficult. Employers will have to decide the right course of action to address MMJ in workplace testing programs. 7. Increase in implementation of early-return-to-work (ERTW) programs: ERTW programs help in quicker recovery for employees, reduction in lost productivity, lower compensation costs, and less dependency on other types of assistance. It is expected that the year 2018 will see employers ramping up their ERTW efforts that may include developing programs that provide reasonable accommodations for employees receiving workers’ compensation, disability or other leave of absence. Job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, or adjustments in how and when a job is performed could be the possible programs. The above mentioned are the expected trends in the workers’ compensation industry in 2018. Employers will have to adapt so that the needs of everyone are efficiently met. Experienced workers’ compensation insurers with the right tools and resources can assist employers in developing an effective strategy that will work well for the business and its employees.
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