Cambridge, MA – A recently released study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) found that fewer injured workers in 27 states received opioids as compared with previous years. However, they continued to be treated for pain, as non-opioid pain medications (e.g., NSAIDs) increased to a lesser degree and non-pharmacologic treatments (e.g., physical therapy) without… [Read more]
Association, Rating & Research News
NJ Governor Murphy Releases Report on Employee Misclassification
Atlantic City, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy recently released a comprehensive report from the Task Force on Employee Misclassification, vowing to intensify efforts to curtail the widespread and illegal practice of misclassifying workers as independent contractors instead of employees, which cheats some workers out of benefits and wages, hurts law-abiding business owners, and costs the… [Read more]
New York State Workers’ Comp Board Wins 2019 IAIABC Excellence Award
Middleton, WI – The IAIABC is pleased to recognize the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board as the winner of the 2019 IAIABC Excellence Award, sponsored by WorkComp Strategies. The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board was selected as the winner of the IAIABC Excellence Award for its submission, “NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Virtual Hearings.”… [Read more]
AM Best Upgrades Credit Ratings of Frank Winston Crum Insurance Company
Oldwick, NJ -(BusinessWire)- AM Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating to B++ (Good) from B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “bbb” from “bbb-” of Frank Winston Crum Insurance Company (FWCI) (Clearwater, FL). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) remains stable. The ratings reflect FWCI’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best… [Read more]
CA WCIRB Authorizes 5.7% Lower Pure Premium Rate Filing for 2020
Oakland, CA – The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) Governing Committee recently voted to authorize the WCIRB to submit a January 1, 2020 Advisory Pure Premium Rate Filing to the California Insurance Commissioner. The filing will propose advisory pure premium rates that will be on average approximately 5.7% below the average approved… [Read more]
NCCI Releases 2019 Regulatory and Legislative Trends Report
Boca Raton, FL – The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) recently released its 2019 Regulatory and Legislative Trends Report. The resource for workers compensation industry stakeholders provides an overview of key legislative, regulatory, judicial, and other developments. The publication is released annually to align with the legislative cycle, and includes the latest countrywide, regional,… [Read more]
CA CHSWC Report: Frequency & Economic Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders for Firefighters
Oakland, CA – The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation (CHSWC) recently released and posted on its website for public comment the working paper, “The Frequency and Economic Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders for California Firefighters.” This study by RAND updates the analyses from an earlier 2010 RAND study and considers the impacts of… [Read more]
WCRI: Opioid Dispensing Declining, Small Uptick in Non-Opioid Pain Meds and Non-Pharma Treatments
Cambridge, MA – A new study released by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) finds that, in all states studied, fewer injured workers received opioids recently as compared with previous years. But, injured workers continue to be treated for pain, as non-opioid pain medications (e.g., NSAIDs) increased to a lesser degree and non-pharmacologic treatments (e.g.,… [Read more]
Coventry Releases Part Two of Annual Drug Trends Report Series
Downers Grove, IL – Coventry recently released part two of its Annual Drug Trends Series. In part two of the series Coventry provides analysis on the trends experienced within its combined in- and out-of-network channels. Highlights from this section include: 8 of the top 10 therapeutic classes experienced decreases Opioids decreased over 2% points from… [Read more]
CA WCIRB Releases 2019 State of California Workers’ Comp System Report
Oakland, CA – The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) recently released its 2019 State of the System report highlighting key metrics of the California workers’ compensation system. Top findings in the report include: Insurance premiums are declining as continued rate decreases more than offset the impacts of continued economic growth. Despite recent… [Read more]