Just like the novel coronavirus itself, the emergence of so-called long COVID has surprised both the patients who couldn’t shake their symptoms and the clinicians who have struggled to provide effective treatments. Now, as the U.S. looks to move past the pandemic, there remain unanswered questions about how this fallout from the virus might hamper some workers and for how long. These uncertainties could have important implications for workers’ compensation. By some measures, one in four patients who get COVID-19—even those with mild or asymptomatic cases—will experience subsequent symptoms that range from muscle and nerve pain to breathing difficulties to anxiety and depression. The scope of the challenge will require providers and employers to better understand the nature of the conditions, their origins, and the best paths for treatment. Watch this on-demand webinar to learn more about long COVID and the implications for workers and employers.
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How COVID-19 Presumption Laws Might Affect the Workers' Compensation Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the discussion of presumption laws to the forefront, as states examine whether workers’ compensation should cover workers if they contract COVID-19 on the job. Many states have passed legislation or executive orders requiring insurers to cover essential workers who test positive for the virus. Depending on the state, the definition of “essential worker” might be limited to just healthcare and frontline workers, or it may include a wide range of occupations.
Introducing Networks 2.0: Part Four
The benefits that workers’ comp networks bring to employees, employers, and providers are clear. What’s most interesting is how networks are evolving to meet the needs of employers and patients. These next-generation networks often are tighter, specialty-focused, smaller — right-sized — networks that benefits providers by grouping together the best of the best.
5 COVID-19 Security Threats to Know About
Some studies estimate that more than half of the workforce is working from home amidst the COVID-19 crisis, and many companies have already announced plans to allow employees to work remotely even after the threat of the virus has subsided. While working from home has helped social distancing efforts across the country, it has also opened up companies to an onslaught of new security threats.
The COVID-19 Ripple Effect
The global response to the coronavirus has affected all aspects of the claims ecosystem, revealing three early indicators that may have a long-lasting impact.
COVID-19 Affects Treatment in Kentucky and Texas
Kentucky delays medical treatment guidelines implementation and Texas suspends elective surgeries in some counties.
California DWC Publishes Draft Pharmacy Fee Schedule Rule
The California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) recently published a long-awaited draft pharmaceutical fee schedule rule.