San Diego, CA – Enlyte recently announced the release of its new report on 2022 predictions for the workers’ compensation sector.
As we enter 2022 still mired in the COVID-19 pandemic, the workers’ compensation industry faces another challenging year, with payers continuing to cope with staffing shortages, evolving regulatory changes and more.
To help stakeholders navigate what’s next and understand this year’s top trends, Enlyte’s report outlines its top 2022 workers’ compensation predictions, including:
Staffing Shortages Will Affect Employers and Payers
Across the U.S., there is at least one open job for every American seeking work, which is great news for anyone in the market for a new position, but not necessarily ideal for employers seeking qualified candidates and unable to meet productivity demands.
The Mental Health Conversation Will Continue
Mental health in the workplace will continue to be a chief concern in 2022. As the pandemic lingers, so do associated stressors. Many employers are now recognizing mental health is not only as important as physical health, but also has a direct impact on physical health and overall wellbeing.
Automation, Claims Staff Efficiency Will Be at the Forefront
As workers’ compensation payers continue to navigate challenges they are facing due to COVID-19, we anticipate many companies will focus on boosting claim staff efficiency through automation, outsourcing, technology and other tools in 2022.
The Pandemic Will Continue to Strain Hospitals, Providers
The workers’ compensation system will continue to face access-to-care issues due to continued stresses from the pandemic. Hospitals, for example, were already grappling with enormous challenges before Omicron emerged as a highly transmissible variant. Now, an increase in breakthrough infections among vaccinated and even boosted health care workers continues to sideline essential staff, increasing caseloads for those who remain. These shortages, combined with burnout among clinicians worn down by nearly two years of operating in full-time triage mode, limit the ability of some hospitals to offer the best care possible.
Federal Regulatory and Legislative Changes Will Trickle Down to Workers’ Compensation
This year, the federal government will undertake major discussions on health-related topics including telemedicine and marijuana, that could have significant effects for the workers’ compensation industry.
The Regulatory Landscape Will Continue to Shift
In addition to the major initiatives happening at the federal level, there are a few other top-of-mind issue for 2022. While COVID-19-related regulatory changes, such as presumptions and vaccine mandates, will continue to take precedence, many state legislatures are playing catchup on the initiatives they had on the docket ahead of the pandemic.
Drug Price Transparency Will Be a Focus; Opioid and Addiction Concerns Will Continue
While the FDA’s approval of the first COVID vaccine was certainly the most significant pharmaceutical breakthrough of 2021, and the recent announcement of drug treatments for COVID-19 could be 2022’s, there will be other important pharmaceutical challenges facing injured employees and payers that might not receive as much fanfare. High-impact and specialty pharmaceuticals, drug-price transparency and regulation/price pressure, as well as continuing concerns around opioids and addiction, are just a few issues that will impact workers’ comp this year.
Read the full report: Enlyte: 2022 Workers’ Compensation Trends & Predictions
Source: Enlyte
Disclosure:
Enlyte is a WorkCompWire ad partner.
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