Waltham, MA, February 10, 2026 — The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) today announced the panelists who will headline three major discussions at its 2026 Issues & Research Conference, March 3–4 in Boston. The sessions bring together nationally recognized leaders to examine key trends, policy changes, and the challenges shaping today’s workers’ compensation system.

“These panels feature some of the most respected voices in workers’ compensation,” said Ramona Tanabe, WCRI president and CEO. “Attendees will hear thoughtful perspectives from individuals who not only understand the system but are helping shape it.”

Panel 1: Access to Care

How Medicaid cuts, hospital closures, and provider shortages are straining care—especially in rural areas.

• Mary Capelli-Schellpfeffer, Liberty Mutual — Vice President & National Medical Director
• Jessica Moyers, The Hershey Company — Environmental Health and Safety Specialist, Workers’ Compensation, ADA, Return to Work
• Jeff Nelson, Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation — Commissioner

Panel 2: Employer Perspectives

Employer leaders share practical strategies on safety, compliance, trends, and day-to-day operations.

• Lisa Daughtry, Disney — Senior Claims Manager
• Sharon DelGuercio, Publix — Director, Workers’ Compensation
• Nicole Patterson, Aramark — Director, Risk Management
• Justin Romine, Marriott International — Vice President, Global Claims

Panel 3: Perspectives on COMPlex Topics

Cross-stakeholder discussion on AI, workforce shortages, access to care, rising costs, mental health, and climate risks.

• Neil DeBlock, Zurich North America — Vice President, Head of Workers Compensation and Medical Management Claims
• Frank Rivera, Massachusetts Port Authority — Director, Risk Management and Workers’ Compensation
• Cora Roelofs, Center for Construction Research and Training — Director of Evaluation
• Paul Tauriello, Colorado Department of Labor & Employment — Director, Workers’ Compensation

The WCRI Issues & Research Conference is a leading forum for insurers, employers, policymakers, labor advocates, and health care leaders. More than 400 professionals from nearly 200 organizations have already registered. Click here to learn more and to register.

ABOUT WCRI

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Waltham, MA. Founded in 1983, WCRI produces objective, peer-reviewed studies on workers’ compensation systems, using rigorous data collection and scientific methods. Funded by its members, including employers, insurers, government agencies, health care providers, and labor organizations, WCRI produces research that helps key stakeholders make informed decisions.

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Dennis Sponer writes for WorkersCompensation.com:

Physician dispensing—the practice of physicians providing medications directly from their offices rather than through licensed pharmacies—has
evolved into a commercial model that reliably drives higher drug costs while circumventing the utilization controls embedded in the traditional
pharmacy channel. What began as a limited convenience has become a material and persistent cost driver within the workers’ compensation
pharmacy system...

The price premium is one of the main reasons physician dispensing remains so pernicious. The fact is that these incentives translate into significantly higher costs. The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) found that physician-dispensed drugs cost, on average, between 60% and more than 300% more than identical medications dispensed through retail pharmacies. In states where physician dispensing is permitted, it can account for as much as 20% to 45% of total workers’ compensation drug spend. While limited in-office dispensing may occasionally benefit injured workers immediately following an injury or in remote settings, industry analyses show that the practice more often results in substantially higher costs, reduced clinical oversight, inappropriate utilization, and poorer overall claim outcomes. 

You can read the full article here.  

He references the WCRI articles The Impact of Physician Dispensing on Opioid Use (2014), WCRI Research Brief: A Multistate Perspective on Physician Dispensing 2011-2014 (2017), and Are Physician Dispensing Reforms Sustainable? (2015).  Also potentially of interest is WCRI's more recent study of Interstate Variation and Trends in Workers’ Compensation Drug Payments, 5th Edition., which includes analysis of physician dispensing.

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Waltham, MA, January 29, 2026—A new study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) shows that joint replacement surgeries are increasing in workers’ compensation.

“Monitoring the trend of joint replacements is important as various stakeholders seek to understand claim outcomes,” said Sebastian Negrusa, vice president of research at WCRI. “This study offers a consistent framework for tracking these surgeries and provides a better understanding of who receives them, where they occur, and how surgical decisions influence claim costs and outcomes.”

The report focuses on shoulder, hip, and knee replacements, which represent the majority of joint replacement surgeries.

The study, Recent Trends in Joint Replacement Among Workers’ Compensation Claims, answers key questions such as:

• How often are these surgeries performed, and in what settings (inpatient, hospital outpatient, or ambulatory surgery centers)?
• Who are the workers receiving them?
• How much do claims with these surgeries cost, and how long is the workers’ disability duration?
• How often do workers with joint replacement procedures have revision surgery?

The study also discusses several implications from its findings, including the growing importance of health promotion and musculoskeletal wellness programs, and explores how state policies may influence patterns and trends of joint replacement surgeries.

The report was authored by Dongchun Wang, Vennela Thumula, and Randall D. Lea.

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Joe Paduda: WCRI’s annual Conference is on for March 3 and 4 in Boston. This year’s agenda is both compelling and timely. I’m really impressed by WCRI’s focus on exogenous factors that are going to have a deep and lasting impact on workers’ comp.

You can (and should) read his full post here on Substack.  And it's not too late to register!  For more information, see WCRI's blog.  Or you can register for and learn more about the conference agenda and sponsorship opportunities at the event page!

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Derrick Amato, of The ClaimLab, writes in WorkCompWire:

Workers’ compensation has made meaningful progress in digitization, bill review sophistication, and clinical guideline adherence. Yet one of the system’s most costly failure points remains largely unresolved: the lack of operational and systemic approaches to identifying injured workers at risk of delayed recovery early enough to change outcomes...

Research from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) and NCCI consistently shows that delayed recovery is strongly associated with factors such as fear avoidance, catastrophizing, workplace dissatisfaction, prior claim history, and psychosocial stressors... Yet these insights rarely translate into daily claims operations action.

Read the full article here. 

The WCRI studies he refers to include Importance of Psychosocial Factors for Physical Therapy Outcomes (2024) and the more recent Psychosocial Factors and Functional Outcomes Following Physical Therapy (2025).  Visit their pages on our website for more information, including details on how to get a copy!

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WCRI's new study on Injectable Therapies in Workers' Compensation was featured on the WorkCompAcademy Weekly News Roundup webcast.  Watch here.  (Coverage of our new study starts at the 19 minute mark.)

For more information on Injectable Therapies in Workers’ Compensation, including details on how to download a copy, elsewhere on our website; we also have a video of our own about the study!  

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^{Nina Luckman writes for Risk & Insurance:}

Extreme heat is on the rise in the United States, challenging the ability of many industries and employers to keep workers safe, especially in high risk industries with considerable amounts of outdoor work, such as construction. While we can expect unabated climate change to continue to pose a threat, we do have a playbook to mitigate these risks. Devoting the resources to create a plan, and more importantly, implementing the plan, can quite literally save lives on the jobsite...

Another Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) study using claims data and weather data from 2016 to 2021 across 24 states found that the probability of work-related accidents increases by five to six percent when the maximum daily temperature rises above 90°F, relative to a day with temperatures in the 65–70°F range. Even more concerning is correlative findings in the study indicating a stronger effect on traumatic injuries, illustrating the potentially compounding effect of heat stress which leads to a catastrophic fall.

Read the full article here.

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James Benham, Co-Founder, CEO, JBK, and author of Be Your Own VC, writes: 

If you lead a workers’ comp program today, you don’t need one more vendor pitch to know the landscape is changing. You’re hearing about AI intake, automated medical summaries, predictive triage, and new dashboards almost every week. At the same time, your claims teams are handling more complexity per claim, aging workers, co-morbidities, psychosocial factors, even as lost-time frequency continues its long downward trend...

When you run a workers’ comp program, your long-term vendors are, in practice, partners. They may not sit on your cap table, but they influence your workflows, your data, and the day-to-day experience of injured workers and adjusters for years. You shouldn’t choose them quickly. 

The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) recently published “Artificial Intelligence in Workers’ Compensation: An Overview of Promises and Challenges,” based on interviews with leaders from insurers, employers, providers, worker advocates, and regulators. One theme in that report is that AI’s value depends heavily on governance and alignment: how it’s implemented, how transparent it is, and how well it supports, not undermines, the mission of helping injured workers recover and return to work. 

This report shows that finding the right partner is a test of partnership. A strong vendor partner in workers’ comp looks less like a faceless software company and more like an extension of your team. They spend time understanding your jurisdictional footprint and how your people actually work. 

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Read Benham's full article here.  And visit the page for our study of AI in Workers' Compensation for more information on that topic, including details on how to download a copy!

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Healthesystems: In workers’ compensation, a small group of claims cost in excess of $1 billion each year. These “mega claims” represent less than 0.1% of total
workers’ comp claims but account for over 2% of total loss dollars...

You can read the full article here.  It cites three WCRI studies: Degenerative and Comorbid Conditions in Workers’ Compensation, Factors Associated with High-Cost Claims, and The Impact of Opioid Prescriptions on Duration of Temporary Disability.  Visit their pages on our website for more information, including details on how to get copies!

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Bob Wilson, Founder of WorkersCompensation.com, is coming to WCRI's conference next month, and invites you to join him:

It’s almost that time again. The time when some of the best and brightest minds in workers’ compensation converge on a frigid New England city to discuss the state of our beloved industry. Yes, the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is once again hosting its annual Issues & Research Conference, this year running March 3-4, 2026, at the Westin Copley Place in Boston, Massachusetts.

And it’s not just the industry’s brightest minds that will be there. I’ll be there, too.

For those who have followed this blog over the years, you know I consider the WCRI conference one of the premier events on our industry’s calendar. It’s where the serious research happens, where actual data gets presented, and where we might actually learn something useful about how our systems are performing.

You can read his full review here.  And it's not too late to register for the conference!  For more information, see WCRI's blog.  Or you can register for and learn more about the conference agenda and sponsorship opportunities at the event page!

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Nearly four in 10 workers’ compensation claims with significant lost time received injectable therapies within two years of injury, yet payments varied dramatically by state—from as low as $362 in California to as much as $2,404 in Louisiana—according to a Workers Compensation Research Institute study.

Injectable therapies are offered as valuable alternatives to invasive surgeries and addictive oral pain medications, but there is little data on their use and costs in workers’ compensation, the WCRI noted. The study, based on data from 28 states, found that 39% of claims with more than seven days of lost time received at least one injectable therapy at an average cost of $872 per claim.

Read the full article here.  The newly-released WCRI study is Injectable Therapies in Workers’ Compensation.  You can find more information, including details on how to download a copy, elsewhere on our website; we also have a video about the study!  

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A common question we receive about our annual conference is: Who should attend? The answer is simple: anyone interested in learning about the latest research on state workers' compensation systems, gaining valuable knowledge, and connecting with peers.

Even better, take a look at the diverse organizations registered for our 2026 Annual Issues & Research Conference, happening March 3-4 in Boston, MA. More than 400 professionals from nearly 200 organizations are already registered and counting, including:

• accūrō Solutions
• Acuity, A Mutual Insurance Company
• Advanced Hearing Providers
• AF Group
• Albertsons
• American Axle & Manufacturing
• American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 4001
• American International Group (AIG)
• Ametros
• AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
• ANS Solutions
• Aramark
• Arrigan Rehabilitation Center
• Ascellus
• Association of New Jersey Chiropractors
• Athens Administrators
• Atlantic Health System
• Atom Advantage, Inc.
• Bentley University
• Brighterway
• Brooks Rehabilitation
• Business Insurance
• Cadence Rx
• California Workers’ Compensation Institute
• Care At Home
• CareIQ (CorVel subsidiary)
• CareReview, Inc.
• Carisk Partners
• CBCS
• Center for Construction Research and Training
• Centre for Neuro Skills
• Chubb
• City of Milwaukee
• CJR Consulting Group, LLC
• ClearPrice Networks, Inc.
• CNA Insurance
• Colorado Department of Labor & Employment – Workers’ Compensation Division
• Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents
• Comp-X Medical
• Concentra
• Confluent Health
• CorVel Corporation
• Coventry (Enlyte)
• Crosstie
• CutCompCosts.com
• Dane Street
• Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau (DCRB)
• Delaware Department of Labor – Industrial Affairs
• DW Advisors LLC
• Eastern Alliance Insurance Group
• Emperion, LLC
• Enlyte
• ESIS (Risk management services company)
• Esri, Inc.
• Ethos Risk Services
• Everest Insurance
• EvolutionIQ
• Eye Care Physicians & Surgeons
• FAIR Health, Inc.
• First MCO
• ForzaCare
• Gallagher Bassett
• Gallagher Re
• Georgia1st.com
• Go Transportation & Translation
• Goren Advisors
• Gradient AI
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
• HeadsUp Healthcare
• Health Spark Group LLC
• Health Strategy Associates LLC
• Healthesystems
• Helmsman Management Services LLC
• HOMELINK
• Human Resources Division – Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• ICW Group
• Idaho Industrial Commission
• IMPAXX
• Indiana Compensation Rating Bureau (ICRB)
• Industrial Commission of Arizona
• InQuery
• Intercare, an Avon Risk Company
• International Union of Elevator Constructors
• ISYS Solutions
• Kansas Department of Labor – Workers’ Compensation
• Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI)
• Leidos
• Liberty Mutual Global Risk Solutions
• Liberty Mutual Insurance
• Marriott International
• Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation
• Massachusetts House of Representatives
• Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport)
• McConnaughhay, Coonrod, Weaver & Stern, P.A.
• Medicine for Business and Industry
• MedRisk
• MEMIC Group
• Milliman
• Milliman Nodal
• Mitchell
• Modus
• Montana Department of Labor & Industry
• Montana Self-Insurers Association
• MTI America
• MyMatrixx by Evernorth
• National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI)
• National Institutes of Health
• New Jersey Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau (NJCRIB)
• New Mexico Mutual Casualty Company
• New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board
• New York State Workers’ Compensation Board
• Nexus
• NJM Insurance Group
• Official Disability Guidelines by MCG (ODG)
• One Call
• Optum
• Opus Medical
• Oregon Legislative Branch
• PAM Health
• Paradigm
• PartnerRe
• Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
• Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau (PCRB)
• Pennsylvania House of Representatives
• Perspecta
• Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM)
• PhysNet
• Pinnacle Actuarial Resources
• Plethy
• PMA Companies (Old Republic)
• Prime Health Services, Inc.
• Prodigy Care Services
• Propel Insurance
• Public School Workers’ Compensation Association (PSWCA)
• Publix
• Reliant Health Partners, LLC
• Rev Boost
• Rising Medical Solutions
• RxBridge
• Ryan Re Underwriting Managers
• S1 Medical
• Safety National
• Sanderson Firm
• Sedgwick
• Select Medical
• Selective Insurance
• SFM Mutual Insurance Company
• Sheakley Return To Work
• Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
• SMS National
• Sompo
• South Carolina House of Representatives
• Standard Publishing Corp
• State of Montana Department of Labor & Industry
• State of Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training – Workers’ Compensation
• Stephens Insurance
• Stream
• Streamline
• Support Claim Services
• Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation
• Texas Mutual Insurance Company
• The Claim Lab
• The Duncan Group LLC
• The Florida Legislature
• The Hanover Insurance Group
• The Hartford
• The Hershey Company
• The IMA Group
• The Walt Disney Company
• Transcend Service
• Transcom Solutions
• Travelers Insurance
• TRISTAR Insurance Group
• United Airlines
• University of South Carolina – Darla Moore School of Business
• University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Vail Resorts
• Washington Self-Insurers Association
• WellRithms
• WheelPad L3C
• Windham
• Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau
• WorkCompCollege.com
• Workers’ Compensation Commission
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB)
• Workers’ Compensation Rating & Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts (WCRIBMA)
• Workers’ Compensation Research Association (WCRA)
• Workers’ Compensation Trust of Connecticut
• Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group (WILG)
• WorkersCompensation.com
• Wright Rehabilitation Services, Inc.
• Zelis Healthcare
• Zurich North America

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your career, expand your expertise, and connect with your peers. Click here to learn more about the agenda or to register for the conference.

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Today’s issue of WorkCompRecap features the release of a new report from WCRI that examined the use of injectable therapies play a key role in workers’ comp, including utilization, costs, key cost drivers, and recent trends across 28 states through early 2024.

The newly-released WCRI study is Injectable Therapies in Workers’ Compensation.  You can find more information, including details on how to download a copy, elsewhere on our website; we also have a video about the study!  

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James L. Moore reviews WCRI's new study of injectable therapies in Workers' Compensation: 

One of the most discussed claims department approval reviews for medication comes from workers comp injectable therapies. Injection therapies are usually very expensive and can last for months... If you work in a Workers Comp claims department, this would be a recommended study from me.

I can identify with this study – in a way. I am required to take five days of Enoxaparin therapy (10 self-injections!) if I have to have any type of surgery or procedure.

Read his full review here.  The newly-released WCRI study is Injectable Therapies in Workers’ Compensation.  You can find more information, including details on how to download a copy, elsewhere on our website; we also have a video about the study!  

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Business Insurance:  Roughly four in 10 lost-time workers compensation claims involved at least one injectable drug or procedure within 24 months of injury, and costs for self-administered drugs, such as those use for weight loss, doubled in six years, according to a new study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute.

The report examines injectable therapies across 28 states, including both clinician-administered procedures — such as epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks and joint injections — and self-administered injectable medications. Waltham, Massachusetts-based WCRI found that injectable therapies represent a significant and growing share of medical spending in workers compensation claims.

You can read their full report here. The newly-released WCRI study is Injectable Therapies in Workers’ Compensation.  You can find more information, including details on how to download a copy, elsewhere on our website; we also have a video about the study!  

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Waltham, MA, January 15, 2026—Injectable therapies play a key role in workers’ compensation care, yet information on their use and costs remains limited. A new study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) addresses this gap by examining utilization, costs, key cost drivers, and recent trends across 28 states through early 2024.

“These findings help policymakers and stakeholders better understand emerging patterns in injectable therapies,” said Sebastian Negrusa, vice president of research at WCRI. “Because many injectables are clinically complex, their use has important implications for treatment pathways, patient safety, recovery, and medical costs.”

Injectable therapies are widely used in the nonsurgical treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses, including pain and inflammation management (e.g., corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid), regenerative care (e.g., platelet-rich plasma [PRP]), and the management of comorbidities that may affect recovery (e.g., glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1] drugs for obesity or insulin for diabetes).

The study examines:

• Common injectable drugs and procedures for workplace injuries
• Utilization trends for key injectables (e.g., GLP-1 drugs, hyaluronic acid, PRP, migraine therapies)
• State-level variation in use
• Costs of injectable drugs and procedures

The analysis draws on medical billing and prescription data for non-COVID-19 claims from 28 states, representing more than 75 percent of workers’ compensation benefits nationwide. The study, Injectable Therapies in Workers’ Compensation, was authored by Dr. Vennela Thumula, Te-Chun Liu, Dongchun Wang, and Dr. Randall D. Lea.

About WCRI

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), based in Waltham, MA, is an independent, not-for-profit research organization founded in 1983. WCRI provides objective information through studies and data collection that follow recognized scientific methods and rigorous peer review. The Institute does not make recommendations or take positions on the issues it researches, ensuring neutrality and credibility. Its diverse membership includes employers, insurers, government agencies, managed care companies, health care providers, regulators, labor organizations, and state agencies across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

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By Healthesystems

Workers’ compensation is always evolving. As the economy, regulations, and workforce demographics change, so too does workers’ comp. Here’s where we saw the biggest impacts on workers’ comp claims management last year...

#6. Attorney Representation/Litigation Is a Major Concern
According to our Workers’ Comp Industry Insights Survey,the most concerning challenge facing the workers’ comp industry in 2025 was litigation... A 2024 Workers Compensation Research Institute study concluded that attorney involvement increases payments by $7,700 to $12,400, increases lost time days by 284%, and inflates expense payments by 200%.

You can read the full article here.  The WCRI study that they cite is Impact of Attorney Representation on Workers’ Compensation Payments.  Click the link for more information, including on how to download a copy!

PS: The #1 item on their list was "Claim Complexity Is on the Rise." Their earlier article on the subject cited eight different WCRI studies.

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IWP's State of the States included the following:

The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) will host a 30-minute webinar presenting findings from its latest study, Psychosocial Factors and Functional Outcomes Following Physical Therapy on January 15th at 2pm ET. The session will examine how psychosocial “yellow flags” like fear avoidance and poor coping skills affect recovery outcomes for injured workers undergoing physical therapy. Registration is free for WCRI members, legislators, and press; non-members can attend for $50. 

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James L. Moore, writing for J&L Risk Management Consultants, is thinking about good ideas for self-insurance in 2026:

The best way to begin is by looking back at the older resolutions...

• Medical networks become more critical to self-insured success over the years.   Having an industrial-minded physician with a good bedside manner makes claims costs go down.   Remember, you are spending directly out of a budgeted account.   The next article that I am writing presently comes from a WCRI webinar on Access and Time to First Treatment.  If I were going to highlight the one number in red that costs a self-insured program the most, this would be it. 
  He adds: "This one still applies heavily. Controlling medical costs becomes difficult without knowing the medical providers who will treat your injured workers."

The WCRI study in question is Time to First Medical Service—A WCRI FlashReport (2023).  When he reviewed it in 2024, he wrote "This was one of the most informative webinars by WCRI, as all of them have been for a long time. I recommend purchasing here unless you are a WCRI member and then it is freebies."

You can find information on becoming a WCRI member elsewhere on our website!

PS: Possibly also of interest to readers is another study related to time to care: Advanced Practitioners and Workers’ Compensation Claim Outcomes.

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WorkInjuryRights.com published an opinion piece in Business Insurance and various Florida newspapers:

Florida's workers' compensation system has become increasingly complex in 2026, with legal experts reporting that many injured workers remain unaware of their full rights under state law. WorkInjuryRights.com, a Florida-based legal practice, reports observing persistent patterns of inadequate settlements and claim denials among workers who navigate the system...

According to Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) data, the average cost per Florida workers' compensation claim exceeds $30,000, with wage growth being the primary driver of recent cost increase.

You can read the full article here.  The WCRI study that they cite is CompScope™ Benchmarks for Florida, 2025 Edition.  Also potentially of interest is WCRI's research on the Impact of Attorney Representation on Workers’ Compensation Payments.  Click the links for more information on both studies, including details on how you can get a copy.

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The start of a new year is a natural time to make resolutions. Start off 2026 right by joining us at the 2026 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 3–4, in Boston.

This two-day conference features original WCRI research on:

• Emerging medical treatment trends, including joint replacement and injectable drugs
• Hospital closures and impact on outcomes
• Loss of health care coverage and its effects on claims, costs, and opioid use

The program also includes nationally recognized keynote speakers:

• Dr. Benjamin Sommers (Harvard University) on potential Medicaid cuts, ACA subsidy changes, and the implications for employers and injured workers
• Dr. Bob Hartwig (University of South Carolina) on economic, labor market, and policy forces shaping workers’ compensation

In addition, the conference offers diverse and dynamic panel discussions on:

• Access to care
• Employer perspectives
• Complex issues in workers’ compensation

Attendees will have ample opportunities to network with employers, insurers, policymakers, labor leaders, health care practitioners, service providers, and researchers from across the country.

Register now to take advantage of early-bird pricing and a special conference hotel rate. Limited sponsorship opportunities are also available.

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WorkCompWire:  The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) recently announced it will host a 30-minute webinar presenting findings from its latest study, Psychosocial Factors and Functional Outcomes Following Physical Therapy.

“Psychosocial factors play a critical role in recovery, yet we still lack a clear understanding of their prevalence, impact, and how best to address them, especially in workers’ compensation. Our study helps close that gap by examining injured workers who received knee and shoulder physical therapy,” said Sebastian Negrusa, WCRI’s vice president of research.

The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.

Read WorkCompWire's full announcement here.  You can find more details about the webinar elsewhere on our website; or just click here to register.  Please note, however, that space is limited, so be sure to register in advance!

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As the year draws to a close, we reflect with gratitude on the progress we've achieved. Your continued support has been essential to our mission of providing credible, high-quality, and independent research to the public and policymakers—research that leads to more informed decision-making.

We deeply value our connection with you and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the year ahead. On behalf of everyone at WCRI, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with health, happiness, and prosperity.

Warm regards,

Ramona Tanabe
President and CEO

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A short summary of WCRI's recent report on the "Impact of Recreational Marijuana Laws on Workers' Compensation Benefits" was published in the Q4 issue of the American Society of Workers' Compensation's AMCOMP Special newsletter.  You can read the full issue here. 

For more information on the WCRI study on marijuana laws, including on how you can get a copy, visit its page on our website!

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IWP (Injured Workers' Pharmacy) reports on their blog:

National: Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) will host a 30-minute webinar to discuss its findings from Psychosocial Factors and Functional Outcomes Following Physical Therapy. The study explores how risk factors such as poor recovery expectations, fear avoidance, poor coping, catastrophizing, and perceived injustice affect recovery in injured workers undergoing physical therapy. The webinar will take place on January 15th from 2-2:30pm ET. Registration is now open, webinars are free for members and $50 for non-members.

You can read IWP's full State of the States report by following this link.

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Keynote to Address Medicaid Cuts and ACA Subsidy Expiration Impacting Workers’ Compensation

Waltham, MA, Dec. 17, 2025—The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced that Harvard health economist and physician Dr. Benjamin Sommers will deliver the keynote address on Day One of its 2026 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 3–4 in Boston.

His keynote will examine the impact of Medicaid cuts and the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax subsidies on health care costs for employers and access to care for injured workers.

“Federal policy changes will have far-reaching effects on workers’ compensation systems, employers, and injured workers,” said Ramona Tanabe, WCRI president and CEO. “Dr. Sommers will help us understand these changes and what they mean for the future.”

Dr. Sommers is the Huntley Quelch Professor of Health Care Economics at the Harvard School of Public Health and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. A leading health economist and practicing primary care physician, he has published over 200 articles, earned numerous awards, and was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2019. From 2021 to 2023, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

His work appears in leading journals such as NEJM, JAMA, and Health Affairs, and has been featured by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post. Dr. Sommers earned both his Ph.D. in Health Policy and his M.D. from Harvard.

The WCRI Issues & Research Conference is a leading forum for workers’ compensation stakeholders, including insurers, employers, policymakers, labor advocates, and health care practitioners. Early registrants save $100 by signing up before February 4. Register now to learn more about the agenda and sponsorship opportunities.

ABOUT WCRI

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Waltham, MA. Founded in 1983, WCRI produces objective, peer-reviewed studies on workers’ compensation systems, using rigorous data collection and scientific methods. Funded by its members, including employers, insurers, government agencies, health care providers, and labor organizations, WCRI produces research that helps key stakeholders make informed decisions.

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James Benham, CEO of technology and consulting firm JBK, writes for WorkersCompensation.com:

In some claims offices, AI now writes the first claim note, flags high-risk files, and even summarizes doctor reports, before the adjuster picks up the phone. AI in workers’ comp is no longer experimental; it’s operational...

...What AI should not replace here is the first human contact. Research summarized by Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) and others shows that injured workers often seek attorneys not because they’re afraid of being fired. They believe their employer questions the legitimacy of the injury or thinks their claim has been denied. Those are communication failures, not legal inevitabilities. AI can help capture what happened. The adjuster helps the worker understand what happens next. 

You can read Benham's full analysis here.  The WCRI studies he cites include "Avoiding Litigation: What Can Employers, Insurers, and State Workers’ Compensation Agencies Do?" (2010) and our more recent report on "Impact of Attorney Representation on Workers’ Compensation Payments."

Also of interest here is WCRI's own work on AI in workers' comp.: "Artificial Intelligence in Workers’ Compensation: An Overview of Promises and Challenges."  Click the links for more information on all of these reports, including how to get a copy!

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IWP (Injured Workers' Pharmacy)'s weekly "State of the States" report promotes WCRI's upcoming conference:

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) will host its 2026 Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference at the Westin Copley Hotel in Boston, MA on March 3-4. Registration is now open and if interested, you can find the agenda here.

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William Rabb writes for Insurance Journal:

A Dunkin’ Donuts cashier who was stabbed by an Atlanta-area rapper has only the workers’ compensation remedy, even if the incident seems far outside the scope of work duties, the Georgia Court of Appeals has decided...

...In other workplace violence incidents, courts in Georgia and other states have often found that workers’ comp insurance is not considered the exclusive remedy only when the dispute was personal or non-work related.

As of 2024, Georgia workers’ compensation law provided two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, up to $800 a week, for no more than 400 weeks, unless the injury is catastrophic. That maximum is less that the maximum allowed in most other Southeastern states, according to the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute.

You can read (or listen to!) the full article from Insurance Journal here.

The WCRI study cited is Workers’ Compensation Laws as of January 1, 2025.  You can find more information on this report, including details of how to download a copy, elsewhere on our website!

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DaisyBill argues that California's Workers' Comp. system is being manipulated by insurers:

...California employers are paying 8.7% more for comp coverage. Yet, even as employers pump more of their money into the system, California doctors are paid relatively little to treat injured workers, compared to other fee-schedule states.

The table below, from a recent Workers’ Compensation Research Institute report, shows that wherever California employers’ premium dollars go, they’re largely not going toward the cost of injured workers’ medical care.

Florida, despite decreasing employers’ comp coverage rates, still pays its workers’ comp physicians significantly more as a percentage of Medicare rates than California does.

Read the full article here.  The WCRI study that they cite is Designing Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Schedules, 2025.  Visit its page on our website for more information, including details on how to get a copy!

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Across the country, an increasing number of states are passing PTSD presumption laws intended to protect first responders and other essential workers exposed to psychologically traumatic events. More than 30 states now allow mental health injuries to be compensable without requiring an accompanying physical injury. For many workers, this represents long-overdue recognition of the very real psychological consequences of serving their communities in dangerous, unpredictable environments. But while the intent of these laws is clear, the implementation has been anything but.

...Despite their good intentions, presumption laws have introduced several predictable challenges. First, state requirements vary dramatically...

Second, many clinicians are unprepared for the industrial context. Workers’ compensation is not traditional outpatient mental health care. Clinicians must evaluate causation, understand work-function requirements, and differentiate between acute stress, adjustment disorder, and PTSD. The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) notes that most mental health providers lack training in occupational disability, which contributes to inconsistent diagnoses and treatment plans.

Read Dr. Kertay's full article in WorkCompWire here.  The WCRI study that he cites is "A Primer on Behavioral Health Care in Workers’ Compensation."   Click the link for more information on it, including instructions on how to get a copy!

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Insurance Journal: In Alabama, Shot Employee Gets No Workers’ Comp and No Employer’s Liability.

He was not covered by workers’ compensation insurance. But his course and scope of employment was enough for an employer’s liability insurance exclusion to apply, said the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, which overturned a lower federal court ruling and left a left-for-dead convenience store employee with no recompense from the store’s insurance carrier.

The appellate court found in favor of State Farm Fire and Casualty Co., noting that the employer’s liability policy clearly excluded coverage for criminal acts or for injuries arising “out of and in the course of … employment.” The decision negated a lower court’s $1.3 million judgment against State Farm.

Under Alabama law, employers with fewer than five employees are not required to secure workers’ compensation coverage. Only Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee allow coverage exemptions for firms with that many workers, according to the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute.

You can read (or listen to!) the full article here.  

The WCRI study that they reference is Workers’ Compensation Laws as of January 1, 2025.  Visit its page on our website for more information, including details on how to get a copy.

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The Delaware Department of Labor (DE DOL) announced that hundreds of new providers have chosen to start participating in the state’s workers’ comp system, following an increase in state fee schedule rates for key services.

Senate Bill 164 increased reimbursement for Evaluation and Management (E/M) services, which are among the most common services providers render to injured workers. The bill addressed the “critical need” to raise E/M rates in Delaware, specifically citing that those rates were lower than the Medicare rates for the same services.

Data from a Workers’ Compensation Research Institute report, Designing Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Schedules, underscores the need to take action to make workers’ comp financially sustainable for Delaware providers, with the state ranking 15th from the bottom among fee-schedule states.

Read the full article from DaisyBill here.  And click the link to the WCRI study for information on how to download a copy!

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Louise Esola, writing for Business Insurance, reports on issues surrounding MRIs and other forms of diagnostic imaging in the insurance:

Physiological degeneration is present in almost a third of workers compensation claims — and is likely more widespread outside the comp industry, experts say.

Degenerative disc disease was found in 33% of claims where the primary work-related injury resulted in a neurological back condition, and osteoarthritis was found in 36% of claims where the primary injury was rotator cuff or shoulder impingement, according to data released this year by the Workers Compensation Research Institute.

Read the full article here.  The WCRI study that she cites is Degenerative and Comorbid Conditions in Workers’ Compensation.  Find more details on its page on our site!

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WorkCompCentral reports on the rise in the number of providers participating in the workers’ compensation system following the passage of SB164 this past June.  They also cite WCRI's research on Delaware.

Read the full article here(requires subscription.)  The WCRI study they cite is "Trends in the Delaware Workers’ Compensation System, 2015–2020" (published 2022).

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As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re grateful to our colleagues for their dedication and to our members and partners for their support, which makes WCRI’s work possible and helps stakeholders better understand state workers’ compensation systems and make more informed decisions.

Earlier this year, we volunteered at Healthy Waltham, a local food pantry. Seeing the need firsthand inspired us to organize a food drive, and thanks to our colleagues’ generosity, we provided meaningful support to families in need and reinforced the importance of giving back.

As we reflect on the year, we value the relationships that strengthen our impact. We wish you a joyful Thanksgiving with loved ones and look forward to connecting at our 2026 Annual Issues & Research Conference on March 3-4 in Boston, a leading forum for original workers' compensation research.

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Michael Stack of Amaxx Risk Solutions writes:

When employers talk about building a best-in-class workers’ compensation program, they usually jump straight to processes, vendors, adjusters, or metrics. But the true backbone of litigation avoidance comes down to three deceptively simple principles: Trust. Care. And a Hard Line.

(Read his full analysis here.)

In discussing this issue, he cites WCRI's study on the Impact of Attorney Representation on Workers’ Compensation Payments.  You can find more information on it, including details on how to get a copy for yourself, elsewhere on our website!

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Risk & Insurance discusses the rising problem of high-cost claims:

 As workers' compensation claims become more costly and time-consuming to resolve, understanding the multiple factors driving complexity has never been more critical for effective claims management.

Complex claims in workers’ compensation are primarily defined by two factors: cost and duration that significantly exceed those of typical claims. Recent research from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) illustrates the scope of this challenge. From a sample of 720,000 claims across 32 states, the top 5 percent of claims with seven or more days of disability accounted for 28 percent of total costs.

You can read the full article here. The authors make reference to several different WCRI studies, including "Factors Associated with High-Cost Claims," "Impact of Attorney Representation on Workers’ Compensation Payments," and our recent study of "Patterns and Trends of High-Cost Claims Involving Back and Shoulder Injuries." Click the links for more information, including on how to download copies!

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Wisconsin: Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) released a study revealing medical payments per workers’ compensation claim in Wisconsin grew by an average of 6% annually from 2021 to 2023, following years of modest increases. The report, CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Wisconsin, 2025 Edition, compares Wisconsin’s system to 17 other states and analyzes trends in payments, prices, and utilization of medical care.  

You can read Injured Workers' Pharmacy (IWP)'s full State of the States report by following this link.

The work that they cite is CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Wisconsin, 2025 Edition.  You can find more information, including details on how to get a copy, elsewhere on our website!

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"This should be an interesting 2026 WCRI Conference keynote. Many articles have appeared in this blog quoting Dr. Hartwig – why?  He looks at every part of the insurance system from a different angle than most presenters.  The last time I saw Dr. Hartwig present on the health of the Workers Comp system, he was the first person to point out that the Workers Comp insurance system was healthy and thriving just after the pandemic ended, when most insurance prognosticators were saying the world was on fire."

"The WCRI Issues & Research Conference is a leading forum for workers’ compensation stakeholders, including insurers, employers, policymakers, labor advocates, and health care practitioners. Attendees gain access to the Institute’s latest research findings and engage with experts and decision makers from across the country. Early registrants can save $100 by signing up before February 4."

Read the full post from J&L Risk Management Consultants here.

For more information on Bob Hartwig and WCRI's conference this Spring, see WCRI's blog.  Or you can register for and learn more about the conference agenda and sponsorship opportunities at the event page!

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Today’s issue of WorkCompRecap features WCRI’s release of a new edition of its CompScope Medical Benchmarks report, which examined the Wisconsin system and found that after years of modest changes, medical payments per claim for injured workers in the state grew 6% per year from 2021-2023.

WCRI noted that the study will be a useful benchmark to understand the impact of recently passed legislation to enact a fee schedule for hospital reimbursements, once it goes into effect. The study also provides an overview of how recent system changes, shifts in the composition of workers’ comp claims, and external factors like the economy, inflation, and medical care have affected medical payments and treatment since 2018, some of which were prompted or accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The specificstudy in question is CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Wisconsin, 2025 Edition. You can find more information, including details on how to get a copy, elsewhere on our website!

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Medical costs per claim have begun to rise following a period of relative stability post-pandemic, a new report shows.

A new Workers Compensation Research Institute report shows medical payments per claim recently started increasing, fueled by an increase in medical utilization, medical prices, and updates to state fee schedules.

To read (or listen to!) the full article from Insurance Journal, click here.

The WCRI report that they're reporting on is CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks, 2025 Edition.  You can find more details on these studies, including information on how to get copies, elsewhere on our website.

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More complex and costly claims have become a persistent issue in workers’ compensation over the last decade. Understanding the factors that drive longer claim duration and higher costs is the first step to detecting and managing the risk factors.

So begins Healthesystems's overview of the complex issue of complex (and high-cost) claims in workers' compensation.  You can read the full article in their twice-yearly online magazine RxInformer. 

WCRI's thought leadership on this issue is shown by the fact that the article cites eight different WCRI studies, notably "Factors Associated with High-Cost Claims," our more recent study of "Patterns and Trends of High-Cost Claims Involving Back and Shoulder Injuries," and "Impact of Attorney Representation on Workers’ Compensation Payments."  Click the links for more information, including on how to download copies!

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Delaware: Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) latest study reports that medical payments per workers’ compensation claim in Delaware rose by 7% annually from 2021 to 2023. The increase was driven by higher prices for professional services and hospital outpatient care, with the state’s fee schedule contributing to sustained growth. The analysis explores these trends in the context of system reforms, claim composition changes, inflation, and pandemic-related impacts. Focused exclusively on non-COVID-19 claims, the study provides comparative insights for policymakers and stakeholders.

You can read Injured Workers' Pharmacy (IWP)'s full State of the States report by following this link.

The work that they cite is CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Delaware, 2025 Edition.  You can find more information, including details on how to get a copy, elsewhere on our website!

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WorkCompCentral headlines the keynote speaker for WCRI's 2026 conference:

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced today that Dr. Bob Hartwig will deliver the keynote address on Day Two of its 2026 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 3–4 in Boston.

For more information on Bob Hartwig and WCRI's conference this Spring, see WCRI's blog.  Or you can register for and learn more about the conference agenda and sponsorship opportunities at the event page!

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Waltham, MA, Nov. 13, 2025 – Medical payments per claim in Wisconsin grew 6% per year from 2021 to 2023 after years of modest changes, according to a recent study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI).

“This study provides a clear picture of Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation system compared with 17 other states,” said Sebastian Negrusa, WCRI vice president of research. “It will be a useful benchmark to understand the impact of recently passed legislation to enact a fee schedule for hospital reimbursements, once it goes into effect.”

CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Wisconsin, 2025 Edition examines payments, prices, and utilization of workers’ compensation medical care. It compares Wisconsin with 17 other states overall, by provider type, and by type of medical service. The study also analyzes trends from 2018 to 2023, focusing on non-COVID-19 claims through 2024.

The report, authored by Evelina Radeva, is free for members and available to nonmembers for a fee.

ABOUT WCRI

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Waltham, MA. Founded in 1983, WCRI produces objective, peer-reviewed studies on workers’ compensation systems, using rigorous data collection and scientific methods. Funded by its members, including employers, insurers, government agencies, healthcare providers, and labor organizations, WCRI produces research that helps key stakeholders make informed decisions.

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Waltham, MA – The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) recently announced that Dr. Bob Hartwig will deliver the keynote address on Day Two of its 2026 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 3–4 in Boston. His presentation will provide a broad overview of the workers’ compensation ecosystem, covering risk management, economic trends, and the forces shaping the industry’s future.

You can read the full notice from WorkCompWire here.  

For more information on Bob Hartwig and WCRI's conference this Spring, see WCRI's blog.  Or you can register for and learn more about the conference agenda and sponsorship opportunities at the event page!

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WorkCompWire: Featured in the news today is WCRI’s release of a new edition of its CompScope Medical Benchmarks report, which examined the Delaware system and found that medical payments per claim in the state grew 7% per year between 2021 and 2023, driven by price increases in professional and hospital outpatient services. WCRI also noted that Delaware’s use of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for adjusting its fee schedule led to medical payment increases in the most recent year.

The specific study in question is CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Delaware, 2025 Edition.  You can find more information, including details on how to get a copy, elsewhere on our website!

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Waltham, MA, Nov. 12, 2025—The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced today that Dr. Bob Hartwig will deliver the keynote address on Day Two of its 2026 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 3–4 in Boston. His presentation will provide a broad overview of the workers’ compensation ecosystem, covering risk management, economic trends, and the forces shaping the industry’s future.

“With the workers’ compensation system facing pressures from economic volatility, technological change, and rising health care costs, Dr. Hartwig’s keynote comes at a critical time,” said Ramona Tanabe, president and CEO of WCRI. “His expertise in insurance economics and risk management will help stakeholders navigate these challenges.”

Dr. Hartwig will examine labor markets, wage trends, the regulatory and political landscape, and the investment environment for long-tailed lines such as workers’ compensation. He will also explore how inflation, tariffs, and shifts in monetary and fiscal policy could affect labor markets, wages, and workers’ compensation outcomes.

He is a clinical associate professor of finance and director of the Center for Risk and Uncertainty Management at the University of South Carolina. He also serves on the Federal Reserve Board’s Insurance Policy Advisory Committee and is widely published on insurance and economic issues. A former president of the Insurance Information Institute, he has advised insurers, regulators, and legislators and has held positions at NCCI, Swiss Re, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The WCRI Issues & Research Conference is a leading forum for workers’ compensation stakeholders, including insurers, employers, policymakers, labor advocates, and health care practitioners. Attendees gain access to the Institute’s latest research findings and engage with experts and decision makers from across the country. Early registrants can save $100 by signing up before February 4.

Click here to register and learn more about the conference agenda and sponsorship opportunities.

ABOUT WCRI

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Waltham, MA. Founded in 1983, WCRI produces objective, peer-reviewed studies on workers’ compensation systems, using rigorous data collection and scientific methods. Funded by its members, including employers, insurers, government agencies, health care providers, and labor organizations, WCRI produces research that helps key stakeholders make informed decisions.

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At the 2025 National Comp conference in Nashville this month, Healthesystems VP of Clinical Services Silvia Sacalis participated in a session focused on the practical management of comorbidities. We sat down with Silvia to learn more about this important and evolving topic in workers’ comp, including how it relates to her area of expertise – prescription drug management...

"Industry data also shows the sheer prevalence of comorbidities in injured worker populations. For instance, a 2025 Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) report shows comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes are common among injured workers and in workers’ comp claims. And they can negatively impact claim duration, cost, and return-to-work outcomes."

You can read the full article from Healthesystems here.  The WCRI study she cites is "Degenerative and Comorbid Conditions in Workers’ Compensation."  You can find more information, including details on how to get a copy, elsewhere on the website.

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WorkCompWire: Waltham, MA – A new study from the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) recently found that after years of stable payments, medical costs per claim for injured workers in California rose 5% as of 2024.

“Payments per claim to both nonhospital and hospital providers increased in 2023, which was a shift compared with prior years,” said Sebastian Negrusa, WCRI vice president of research. “If you are a policymaker or stakeholder in the California workers’ compensation system, this study provides critical perspectives on how the system is performing compared with other states.”

CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for California, 2025 Edition examines payments, prices, and utilization of workers’ compensation medical care from 2018 to 2023, with non-COVID-19 claims evaluated as of 2024.

You can find more information about CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for California, including instructions on how to download a copy, elsewhere on our website.  For information on all of the new CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks studies, click here.

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IWP's weekly State of the States notes that

Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) will host a free 40-minute webinar on November 20th at 2 pm ET to discuss its findings from its latest study on the growing role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in treating injured workers.  The session will feature insights from Sebastian Negrusa, WCRI’s Vice President of Research, and Bogdan Savych, Senior Public Policy Analyst. If interested, click here to register.  

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Reviews.com presents a guide to filing insurance claims, and cites WCRI research:

How long does it take to settle a claim?
Time to settlement depends on severity, documentation speed, adjuster/repair capacity, and whether a catastrophe (CAT) surge is in play... In workers’ compensation, the first temporary‑disability payment typically arrives two to three weeks after injury, varying by state (WCRI).

The WCRI research they cite is CompScope™ Benchmarks, 2025 Edition.  Click the link for more information, including links to the individual state studies and details on how to get copies!

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WorkCompWire: 

Waltham, MA – The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) recently announced that it will host a free 40-minute webinar on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, presenting findings from its recent report, Advanced Practitioners and Workers’ Compensation Claim Outcomes.

Read WorkCompWire's full announcement here.  You can find more details about the webinar elsewhere on our website; or just click here to register.  Please note, however, that space is limited, so be sure to register in advance!

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Nov. 6, 2025 – Medical payments per claim in Delaware grew 7% per year between 2021 and 2023, driven by price increases in professional and hospital outpatient services, according to a recent study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI).

“Policymakers and stakeholders in the Delaware workers’ compensation system will want to read this study to understand how the system is performing relative to other states,” said Sebastian Negrusa, WCRI vice president of research. “The Delaware fee schedule is adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, and thus it led to medical payment increases in the most recent year.”

CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Delaware, 2025 Edition examines payments, prices, and utilization of workers’ compensation medical care. It compares Delaware with 17 other states overall, by provider type, and by type of medical service. The study analyzes non-COVID-19 claims with experience through March 2024.

The report, authored by Evelina Radeva, is available for download at www.wcrinet.org. It is free for members and available to nonmembers for a fee.

ABOUT WCRI

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Waltham, MA. Founded in 1983, WCRI produces objective, peer-reviewed studies on workers’ compensation systems, using rigorous data collection and scientific methods. Funded by its members, including employers, insurers, government agencies, healthcare providers, and labor organizations, WCRI produces research that helps key stakeholders make informed decisions.

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As WorkCompCentral notes, WCRI has an upcoming webinar!  Join for free on November 20 to learn more about the increasing phenomenon where injured workers get initial treatment and screening from nurse practitioners and physician assistants.  For more details, see WCRI's official announcement, or click here to register.

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SMART (the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) posts about providing Naloxone to union members to allow them to treat opioid overdoses:

The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMO­HIT) provides resources to protect union sheet metal workers on the job, at union halls and at training centers across the United States and Canada. SMO­HIT provided automatic external defibrillators (AED) and bleed kits to all locations five years ago, and continues to help members become certified in CPR.

Providing naloxone is no different.

Construction workers build their careers in dangerous situations. Even with every safety measure in place, injuries happen, and when they do, 55% of injured construc­tion workers receive a prescription opioid to manage the pain. Of those injured workers, 29% received two or more opioid prescriptions, according to a study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute.

You can read the full article here.  The WCRI study they cite is "Correlates of Opioid Dispensing" (2018.)  Click the link for more details, including information on how to download a copy!

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Waltham, MA, November 4, 2025 – The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) will host a free 40-minute webinar on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, presenting findings from its recent report, Advanced Practitioners and Workers’ Compensation Claim Outcomes.

“With fewer primary care physicians available, more injured workers are initially treated by advanced practitioners—nurse practitioners and physician assistants,” said Sebastian Negrusa, vice president of research at WCRI. “This study highlights how early care from these providers influences treatment patterns and claim outcomes.”

During the webinar, Bogdan Savych, WCRI senior policy analyst, will explore key questions:

• How did involvement of advanced practitioners and primary care physicians change between 2013 and 2022?
• Do patients initially treated by an advanced practitioner experience different claim outcomes than workers first treated by a primary care physician?
• Are there differences in timing of first nonemergency care, use of specialty care, medical costs, and duration of temporary disability?

The study draws on detailed claims and medical data from 29 states, covering over 80 percent of workers’ compensation benefits paid. It includes injuries from October 1, 2012, to September 30, 2022, and tracks outcomes up to 6 or 12 months postinjury.

This webinar is free, but registration is limited to 500 participants. All registrants will receive a copy of the webinar slides and a recording of the session. Click here to register now.

About WCRI:

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Waltham, MA. Organized in 1983, the Institute does not take positions on the issues it researches. It provides information obtained through studies and data collection efforts, which conform to recognized scientific methods. Objectivity is further ensured through rigorous, unbiased peer review procedures. WCRI's diverse membership includes employers; insurers; governmental entities; managed care companies; health care providers; insurance regulators; state labor organizations; and state administrative agencies in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

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Carmen Sharp writes: "Medical inflation is reshaping the workers’ compensation marketplace, driving up claim costs, and challenging traditional care models. As economic pressures mount and workforce demographics shift, independent insurance agents and their customers must navigate a more complex environment, one where increases in medical expenses require smart strategies and strong partnerships with carriers."

"According to the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), medical payments per claim increased by approximately 5% annually in most states from 2021 to 2024, largely due to rising costs for healthcare providers and facility services."

Read the full article in Insurance Journal here.

The WCRI study cited is the recently-released CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks, 2025 Edition.  You can find more information on this important publication—including individual state surveys and information on how to download a copy—elsewhere on our website.

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This WCRI Member Spotlight features Dr. Ethan “Mojo” Moses, Medical Director for the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation. In this role, Dr. Moses provides strategic leadership on medical policy across the state’s workers’ compensation system. He advises the Division’s Director and oversees initiatives related to payment systems, utilization review, and provider accreditation—ensuring compliance with the Workers' Compensation Act for injured workers, employers, insurers, and self-insured businesses.

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Tammy Worth, writing for Leader's Edge, notes that "When workers compensation collides with existing health conditions, a complex situation can quickly worsen for all involved."

"In an August 2025 report, the Workers Compensation Research Institute found that, of nearly 1 million claims studied with seven or more days of lost time, about 39% of claimants had at least one comorbid condition. About 22% involved one condition, almost 10% had two comorbidities, and roughly 7% included three or more. Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis or spinal disc diseases were the most frequent comorbidity, showing up in about 19% of all claims and roughly one-third of orthopedic-related claims like back and shoulder injuries."

You can read her full analysis here.

The WCRI study cited is Degenerative and Comorbid Conditions in Workers’ Compensation.  Click on the link for information on downloading a copy!

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The IWP (Injured Workers Pharmacy) was one of several organizations to highlight the release of PA Compscope:

Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) released the CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Pennsylvania, 2025 Edition. The report states that medical payments per workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania rose 14% in 2023, reversing a multi-year trend of declining costs. This increase is largely attributed to larger annual updates to the state’s medical fee schedule, which is tied to the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW). The study compares Pennsylvania’s medical payment metrics with those of 17 other states and analyzes trends from 2018 to 2023, using data from non-COVID-19 claims through March 2024. 

Read IWP's full State of the States report here.

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Healthesystems' semi-annual RxInformer clinical journal tackles the issue of degenerative conditions in workers' compensation, and cites two WCRI studies:

Degenerative comorbid conditions are present in 19% of claims and can drive up claim costs and disability duration. Many of these degenerative conditions are more common in older workers, a fact compounded by the continued aging of the workforce.
Degenerative conditions can be defined as illnesses that cause a progressive breakdown of cells, tissues, or organs over time, leading to a decline in function. These conditions can affect various parts of the body, but when discussed in the context of workers’ comp, “degenerative conditions” often refers to such conditions of the musculoskeletal variety...

The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) found that degenerative comorbid conditions are present in 18.7% of workers’ comp claims. This includes:

Osteoarthritis, found in 9.7% of claims
Spondylosis (with or without nerve involvement), found in 6.2% of claims
Degenerative disc disease, found in 5.6% of claims

You can read the full article here.  

The WCRI studies that they cite are Degenerative and Comorbid Conditions in Workers’ Compensation and Patterns and Trends of High-Cost Claims Involving Back and Shoulder Injuries.  Click the links for information on how to download a copy!

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Michele Paige of Enlyte, writing for WorkersCompensation.com, tackles the issues surrounding topical medications:

Topical analgesics—medications applied directly to the skin—are commonly used to manage pain in workers’ compensation claims involving injuries like sprains, strains or muscle aches. While these medications offer targeted relief and are often seen as safer alternatives to opioids, they also present rising cost concerns...

Topical analgesics have become a significant cost driver in pharmacy spend for workers' compensation. According to the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), these products now account for approximately 22% of total medication
payments. Dermatological agents and NSAIDs continue to be top cost drivers, and both the number of injured employees using topical medications and the associated costs have been increasing.

You can read the full article here.  The WCRI study that she references is "Topical Analgesic Use in Workers’ Compensation" (2021).  You can find more information, including details on how to get a copy, on the study's page of our website.

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Healthesystems:

The FDA has approved Enoby™ (denosumab-qdbe) injections as a biosimilar to Prolia^® (denosumab) to increase bone mass in those at high risk of fractures.

As the workforce grows older, and as entities such as the WCRI report on the frequency and impacts that degenerative conditions have on claims, awareness of these conditions and the therapies that address them becomes increasingly important.

Read the full article from Healthesystems here.

The WCRI study they reference is Degenerative and Comorbid Conditions in Workers’ Compensation. You can find more information on this study, including details on how to download a copy, on our website.

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State Supreme Court reviews of workers’ compensation cases are rare, but in Kentucky last week, the state high court handed down no fewer than three opinions – all of which emphasize long-established case law. The court ruled against an insurer in one case and in favor of the carriers in two other cases.
In one of the most severe cases of COVID-19 infection, in which a steel mill worker died after receiving a double-lung transplant, the court upheld an administrative law judge and the state Workers’ Compensation Board. The high court found that the estate of the unvaccinated worker did not prove that the disease was work-related, absolving the insurer of the responsibility for benefits...

If Perkins' estate had prevailed in the case, his survivors would likely have been eligible for up to $110,000 in burial expenses, one of the most generous burial benefits in the country, according to the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute. His spouse also would have been eligible for 40% of his average weekly wage, up to the maximum allowed for total disability.

Read the full article from Insurance Journal here.  The WCRI study cited is our recent publication Workers’ Compensation Laws as of January 1, 2025.

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The National Roofing Contractors Association notes that:

A recent study conducted by the Workers Compensation Research Institute shows California’s heat regulations have led to fewer work-related injuries on hot days, according to Safety+Health magazine.

The number of work-related injuries on hot days declined 24% to 27% in agriculture, 19% to 25% in transportation and 15% to 17% in construction. The declines were the strongest for temperatures above 95 F.

Previous research from the Workers Compensation Research Institute found besides causing heat-related illnesses, excessive heat also impairs judgment and perception, which increases safety risks. For the new study, researchers analyzed 2002-22 data to determine the effects of California’s heat rules, which took effect in 2005.

The frequency of work-related injuries on hot days for workers age 35 and below fell 18% in construction and 27% in agriculture.

You can find information about the WCRI study, "Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes," elsewhere on our website.

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Today’s issue of WorkCompRecap features WCRI’s announcement of a new webinar next Thursday that will explore findings from its recent report on California’s 2005 heat standard and the associated impact on workers’ comp outcomes.

WCRI noted that with stakeholders at all levels debating heat safety standards, the study offered measurable evidence of how the standard impacted injury frequency in occupations to which it applied, including construction, agriculture, and transportation. Key areas of discussion for the webinar include the size of the impact of the heat standard on injury frequency in industries with outdoor heat exposure; whether the standard’s impact increases with higher temperatures; whether the impact of the heat standard varies for younger versus older workers; and more.

For more information on the webinar (including how to register!), click here.

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IWP: Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) published its 2025 CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks report, analyzing trends in medical payments, pricing, and utilization for injured workers. The study includes data from 2018 to 2023 across 18 states: Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. According to the report, Pennsylvania experienced a 14% increase in medical costs per claim, while California, Delaware, and Wisconsin saw annual increases ranging from 5–7%. 

You can read the IWP's full weekly roundup here.  You can find more information on CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks, including details of how to download our study and links to the individual state reports, elsewhere on our website.

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Waltham, MA, October 23, 2025 – Medical payments per claim for injured workers in Pennsylvania rose 14% in 2023, following relatively stable or declining payments over the previous four years, according to a recent study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI).

“The growth in medical payments reflects, in part, recent updates to Pennsylvania’s medical fee schedule, which is tied to the statewide average weekly wage,” said Sebastian Negrusa, WCRI vice president of research. “Policymakers and stakeholders will want to read this study to understand how the system is performing compared with other states.”

CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Pennsylvania, 2025 Edition examines payments, prices, and utilization of workers’ compensation medical care, comparing Pennsylvania with 17 other states. It also analyzes trends from 2018 to 2023, focusing on non-COVID-19 claims.

The report, authored by William Monnin-Browder, is free for members and available to nonmembers for a fee.

ABOUT WCRI

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Waltham, MA. Founded in 1983, WCRI produces objective, peer-reviewed studies on workers’ compensation systems, using rigorous data collection and scientific methods. Funded by its members, including employers, insurers, government agencies, healthcare providers, and labor organizations, WCRI produces research that helps key stakeholders make informed decisions.

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DaisyNews writes:

Yet another industry report confirms that workers’ compensation is stupendously profitable for insurers, outperforming the rest of the insurance industry even as rates decrease in most of the nation...

As for the medical costs of actually treating injured workers, a Workers’ Compensation Research Institute report found California’s fee schedule rates near the bottom nationally.  In other words, the bloat appears to be more on the insurer's administrative side than on the treatment side.

Read their full analysis (diatribe?) here.

The WCRI report that they cite is "Designing Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Schedules, 2025." You can find more information, including how to download a copy, elsewhere on our website.

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J&L Insurance's blog reflects on some findings from the new edition of CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks:

WCRI (Workers Comp Research Institute) released its great CompScope Study and Report two weeks ago.
Yes, I am running a little late on getting this one into an article.

Looking for the anomalies can be easily accomplished using the CompScope Benchmark Report.   WCRI had pointed out that medical costs rose 5 – 12% per claim...

I think that the statement below from WCRI,  which was released with the reports, explained the increases very well.

“Medical payments per claim remained relatively stable, but recently, they started increasing, fueled by an increase in medical utilization, medical prices, and updates to state fee schedules,” said Sebastian Negrusa, WCRI Vice President of Research.

Read the full article here.  You can find more details on CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks, 2025 Edition, including information on how to get a copy, elsewhere on our website.

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Safety and Health reports...

California’s heat regulations have led to fewer work-related injuries on hot days, according to the results of a recent study conducted by the Workers Compensation Research Institute.

WCRI says its previous research has found that excessive heat “not only causes heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion but also impairs judgment and perception, increasing the risk of accidents such as being struck by machinery.”

Read their full article here.  For information on the WCRI study, "Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes", visit its page on our website, where you can also find information on how to get a copy and on WCRI membership.

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WorkCompWire gives a plug for our annual conference:

As a leading workers’ compensation forum, the WCRI conference attracts policymakers, employers, labor advocates, insurance executives, health care organizations, claims managers, researchers, and more. Attendees will gain fresh perspectives, make valuable connections, and deepen their understanding of critical issues in today’s competitive landscape. An early-bird discount and special hotel rates are available for a limited time

Read WCR's full article here.

Click here for more information about the conference from WCRI, including insights from past attendees and how to register!

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IWP: Medical costs in workers’ compensation are rising across most states, according to a new report from the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI). The study examined 18 states and found that medical payments per claim increased between 5% and 14% in recent years. Notable increases were seen in Pennsylvania (14% in 2023), Delaware (7% annually from 2021–2023), and Wisconsin (6% annually), driven by changes in fee schedules and service pricing.

You can read the IWP's full weekly roundup here.  The WCRI report that it refers to is CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks, 2025 Edition.  You can find more information, including details of how to download our study and links to the individual state reports, elsewhere on our website.

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Waltham, MA, October 16, 2025 – After years of stable payments, medical costs per claim for injured workers in California rose 5% as of 2024, according to a new study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI).

“Payments per claim to both nonhospital and hospital providers increased in 2023, which was a shift compared with prior years,” said Sebastian Negrusa, WCRI vice president of research. “If you are a policymaker or stakeholder in the California workers’ compensation system, this study provides critical perspectives on how the system is performing compared with other states.”

CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for California, 2025 Edition examines payments, prices, and utilization of workers’ compensation medical care from 2018 to 2023, with non-COVID-19 claims evaluated as of 2024. The study compares California with other states overall, by provider type, and by type of medical service.

The report, authored by William Monnin-Browder, is free for members and available to nonmembers for a fee.

ABOUT WCRI

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Waltham, MA. Founded in 1983, WCRI produces objective, peer-reviewed studies on workers’ compensation systems, using rigorous data collection and scientific methods. Funded by its members, including employers, insurers, government agencies, healthcare providers, and labor organizations, WCRI produces research that helps key stakeholders make informed decisions.

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Medical costs per claim have begun to rise following a period of relative stability post-pandemic, a new report shows.

A new Workers Compensation Research Institute report shows medical payments per claim recently started increasing, fueled by an increase in medical utilization, medical prices, and updates to state fee schedules.

For the full article in Insurance Journal, click here.

You can find information on the WCRI report--CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks, 2025 Edition--elsewhere on our website.  The page includes instructions on how to get a copy, as well as links to individual state reports.

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Claims Journal: The blast that killed 16 workers at a military explosives plant in Tennessee last week likely could have been prevented with better safety measures and accountability, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health said in a statement.

...Tennessee workers’ compensation law in 2025 provides a $10,000 burial allowance for deceased workers’ families, and up to $477,000 in benefits to dependents, according to the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute’s most recent compilation of state benefits. Spouses’ benefits end upon the spouse’s death or remarriage. Child benefits end at age 18 or at age 22 if the child is a student.

You can read the full article here.

The WCRI report cited here is Workers’ Compensation Laws as of January 1, 2025.  Visit the study's page on our website for more information, including how to download a copy.

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Today’s issue of WorkCompRecap features the release of the latest edition of WCRI’s CompScope Medical Benchmarks report, which examines medical payments, prices, and utilization overall, by provider, and by type of service across 18 states and how they have changed over time.

You can read more from WorkCompWire here.

For more information on CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks, 2025 Edition, including links to individual state studies and instructions on how to download, visit the study's page on our website.

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Waltham, MA, October 15, 2025 – The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) announced a 30-minute webinar scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, highlighting findings from its latest report, Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes

“With policymakers at all levels debating heat safety standards, this study offers measurable evidence of how California’s 2005 heat standard impacted injury frequency in occupations covered by the standard, such as construction, agriculture, and transportation,” said Ramona Tanabe, WCRI president and CEO.

During the webinar, Sebastian Negrusa, WCRI vice president of research, will address key questions:

• How large is the impact of the heat standard on injury frequency in industries with outdoor heat exposure?
• Does the impact of the heat standard increase with higher temperatures?
• Does the impact of the heat standard vary for younger versus older workers?

Previous WCRI research found that excessive heat not only causes heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion but also impairs judgment and perception, increasing the risk of accidents such as being struck by machinery. Heat-related illnesses are 11 to 18 times more frequent on days above 95°F compared with days between 75 and 80°F, yet they represent 20 to 25 percent of all injuries attributable to heat.

Webinars are $50 for non-members and FREE for WCRI members, members of the press, and legislators, as well as their staff. Registration is limited to 500 people, and all registrants will receive a copy of the webinar slides and a recording of the session. Click here to register now.

About WCRI:

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Waltham, MA. Organized in 1983, the Institute does not take positions on the issues it researches. It provides information obtained through studies and data collection efforts, which conform to recognized scientific methods. Objectivity is further ensured through rigorous, unbiased peer review procedures. WCRI's diverse membership includes employers; insurers; governmental entities; managed care companies; health care providers; insurance regulators; state labor organizations; and state administrative agencies in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

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Tre’Vaughn Howard: There are fewer workplace injuries when states create safety regulations to protect workers from the heat, two sets of researchers say.

Using California workers’ compensation claims, the Workers Compensation Research Institute solely focused on the state. WCRI determined the state’s implementation of a heat standard in 2005 led to a 15% reduction in work-related injuries on hot days.

To read the full report in Bloomberg Law, click here.  (Scroll about half-way down the page.)

Visit our website for information on how to get a copy of WCRI's new study, Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes.

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Joe Paduda, of Managed Care Matters, reflects on CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks, 2025 Edition:

At long last we have credible research that medical costs increased post-Covid.

From 2021 to 2023, costs increased:

• 22% in Louisiana (!!)
• 5% in California with physical medicine a major contributor
• 14% in Pennsylvania, driven primarily by increases to the medical fee schedule.

Read the full article from Managed Care Matters here. 

You can find more information on CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks, 2025 Edition—including details of how to
download the study, and links to the individual state reports—elsewhere on our website.

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Daily Kos reports on the problem of workplace heat, and the issue of workplace heat standards:

USW, other unions and dozens of professional groups continue advocating for a national standard that would specify the steps all employers must take to protect workers from record and increasingly frequent heat waves associated with climate change.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) last year proposed a standard but hasn’t yet adopted it, even though heat contributes to tens of thousands of sicknesses and injuries annually...

A handful of states have their own heat standards in the absence of a national one, and a new study of California’s requirements underscores the effectiveness of mandatory cool-down periods and other simple, common-sense safety measures.

The study, published last week by the Workers Compensation Research Institute, focused on workers in agriculture, construction, transportation and other outdoor settings. It found that the standard reduced heat-related injuries by as much as 27 percent, with the strongest impact among workers 35 and under.

You can read the full article in Daily Kos here.

Visit our website for information on the WCRI study they cite: Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes.

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Sacramento, CA (WorkersCompensation.com) — A new study from the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) finds that heat standards in California led to fewer work-related injuries on hot days.

The study, Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes, looked at how California’s heat standard impacted the frequency of injuries in occupations with exposure to heat like construction, agriculture and transportation.

California is one of seven states, including Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, with heat standards for workers in heat-exposed jobs. California has standards for indoor and outdoor heat exposure and has triggers for extra protections at 80°F outdoors and 82°F indoors. The standards were implemented in 2005 after several agricultural workers died due to the heat. The emergency outdoor heat regulations were expanded to indoor workplaces in 2024.

You can read the full article here.

For information on how to download the new WCRI study on the California heat standard, please visit its page on our website!

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Louise Esola: "Workers compensation medical costs per claim rose 5% to 14% in recent years in most of 18 states examined by the Workers Compensation Research Institute.  For studies of 18 states, WCRI examined medical payments, prices and utilization overall, by provider, and by type of service, showing how these metrics have changed over time."

You can read the full article in Business Insurance here.

You can find information on WCRI's new edition of CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks, including how to get a copy and links to the individual state reports, on our website.

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IWP (Injured Workers' Pharmacy) mentions the recent release of CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks, 2025 Edition, in its quarterly newsletter. 

You can find information on downloading CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks elsewhere on our website.

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"Medical costs per claim have begun to rise following a period of relative stability post-pandemic, a new report shows.

"A Workers Compensation Research Institute report out this week shows medical payments per claim recently started increasing, fueled by an increase in medical utilization, medical prices, and updates to state fee schedules."

You can read the full article from Claims Journal here.

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Business Insurance: The workers compensation industry continues to grapple with the rise in the use of costlier topical medications for pain management.  

Some say the drugs pose health dangers and that abusive pricing practices fuel their proliferation in costs.

In 2022, the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission adopted a prescription topical medication cap and a prescription topical compound cap.

According to a 2024 report by the Workers Compensation Research Institute, South Carolina saw a significant reduction in payment shares for dermatological agents, decreasing from a peak of 55% in 2021 to 36% in the first quarter of 2023.

Read the full article here.  The study cited is "Interstate Variation and Trends in Workers’ Compensation Drug Payments, 5th Edition."  You can find information on how to get a copy on our website.

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Waltham, MA, October 9, 2025 — After a period of relative stability post-COVID, new studies from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) show that medical costs per claim have begun to rise.

“Medical payments per claim remained relatively stable, but recently, they started increasing, fueled by an increase in medical utilization, medical prices, and updates to state fee schedules,” said Sebastian Negrusa, WCRI vice president of research.

The studies, CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks, 2025 Edition, examine medical payments, prices, and utilization overall, by provider, and by type of service across 18 states, showing how these metrics have changed over time. Key findings from a few of the individual studies include the following:

• California: After several years of stable medical payments since 2018, California recently saw a 5% increase in medical payments per claim, with increases in payments per claim for several nonhospital services, including physical medicine services, contributing to that growth.
• Delaware: Medical payments per claim grew 7% per year between 2021 and 2023, driven by price increases in professional and hospital outpatient services. These trends align with Delaware’s fee schedule, which is adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
• Pennsylvania: Medical payments per claim for care provided to injured workers increased 14 percent in 2023 after years of decreases, reflecting, in part, larger recent annual updates to the state’s medical fee schedule, which is tied to the statewide average weekly wage.
• Wisconsin: Medical payments per claim grew 6% per year from 2021 to 2023 after years of small changes. Wisconsin, which has had some of the highest medical payments per claim among the study states, recently passed legislation introducing a medical fee schedule for hospital services.

The results reflect the experience of non-COVID-19 claims through March 2024. The 18 states in the study—Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin—represent about 60% of all workers’ compensation benefit payments nationwide.

The studies are free for members and available to nonmembers for a fee.

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WorkersCompensation.com examines the role of trust in workers' compensation cases, and cites WCRI's research on litigation in workers' comp.

Following a workplace injury, the injured worker, provider(s), payer, and employer must collaborate throughout the duration of the claim to ensure its successful resolution. For some claims, a fifth party - the attorney – is introduced. Is loss of trust a factor? The final article in this series will examine the assumptions, miscommunications, and judgments that often arise in litigated claims.

You can read the full article here.  

The WCRI study cited is "Avoiding Litigation: What Can Employers, Insurers, and State Workers’ Compensation Agencies Do?"  We've also done some recent studies on the issue of low back pain: see for example "Patterns and Trends of High-Cost Claims Involving Back and Shoulder Injuries."  You can find information on downloading both studies on our website.

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Politico's Ariel Wittenberg and Alex Nieves write that "California’s heat safety regulations are paying dividends for the state’s workers."

"The five states, including California, that had heat protections in 2023 saw their odds of workplace injuries increase 8 percent during heat waves that year, while the risk in states without rules was double that, according to a study released Monday by Harvard University and the George Washington University."

"The new data comes after the Workers Compensation Research Institute released a study last week that found California’s heat standard reduced workplace injuries by more than 15 percent on hot days in "high-exposure" industries like construction, agriculture and transportation."

You can read the full article here.  (Scroll down about halfway for the segment on the California Heat Standard.)

You can find information on how to download WCRI's study, "Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes," on our website. 

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CalMatters reports:

Assembly Bill 1336, now awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature or veto, is the latest skirmish in a decades-long conflict over protecting workers from heat effects on their health, whether they work outdoors or inside.

The measure, if approved, would create a new legal presumption — that workers suffering from heat illness or injury would be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if their employers failed to comply with standards set up to protect employees from heat effects.

As the issue of workplace heat simmers in California and other states, some federal agencies are pondering adopting heat-related protections for their employees. And a new study by the Massachusetts-based Workers Compensation Research Institute concluded that California’s pioneering regulations have had a dramatic effect on heat-related injuries and illnesses.

Read the full article here.

You can find more information on the WCRI study, "Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes," on our website.

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Insurance Journal reviews WCRI's new study of the California Heat Standard:

California’s worker heat standards led to fewer work-related injuries on hot days, a new study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute found.
The WCRI study, Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes, measured how California’s heat standard impacted the frequency of injuries in heat-exposed occupations like construction, agriculture and transportation.

You can read more from Insurance Journal here.  

Find out how to download the WCRI study, "Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes," by visiting its page on our website!

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CLM: "As record-breaking heat waves become the norm, a new study from the Worker’s Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) finds that California’s heat standard has cut work-related injuries on hot days for industries with substantial exposure to outside heat. Since taking effect, the regulation has driven down injury rates in construction (15-17%), agriculture (24-27%), and transportation (19-25%)."

You can read more of CLM's review here.  

Visit our website for information on how to download the new WCRI study, "Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes."

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Work Comp Central reviews WCRI's new study on the California Heat Standard.  Read more here (Requires subscription.)

You can find information on how to download the WCRI study, "Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes," on our website.

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WorkCompWire: As more states adopt heat safety standards, a new study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) found that California’s 2005 heat standard led to fewer work-related injuries on hot days.

"WCRI noted that as local, state, and federal levels debate heat safety standards, the findings offer measurable evidence of how California’s policy reduced injury rates during extreme heat and offer relevant data. Key areas explored in this new study include how large the impact of the heat standard on injury frequency was in industries with outdoor heat exposure; whether the heat standard’s impact increases with higher temperatures; and whether the standard’s effects vary for younger versus older workers, and more."

Read more on this from WorkCompWire here.

You can find information on how to download the WCRI study, "Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes," on our website.

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Business Insurance: California’s workplace heat standard, which requires access to water and shade and includes provisions for high heat and training, has resulted in fewer heat-related illnesses for several industry segments, according to the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute.
A WCRI study estimated that California’s heat standard, enacted in 2005 in a first in the country, resulted in a decline in work-related injuries on hot days for industries with “substantial exposure” to outside heat.

You can read Business Insurance's full review here. 

Find out how to download the WCRI study, "Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes," by visiting its page on our website!

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Waltham, MA – Sept. 30, 2025 — As more states adopt heat safety standards, a new study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) found that California’s 2005 heat standard led to fewer work-related injuries on hot days.

“Policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels are debating heat safety standards. These findings offer measurable evidence of how California’s policy reduced injury rates during extreme heat and offer relevant data to inform the national conversation about worker protection,” said Ramona Tanabe, president and CEO of WCRI.

The study, Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes, measured how California’s heat standard impacted the frequency of injuries in occupations with substantial exposure to outdoor heat, like construction, agriculture, and transportation. The heat standard requires employers to provide water, shade, rest breaks, acclimatization plans, and emergency response protocols during excessive heat.

The study also answers the following questions:

• How large is the impact of the heat standard on injury frequency in industries with outdoor heat exposure?
• Does the impact of the heat standard increase with higher temperatures?
• Does the impact of the heat standard vary for younger versus older workers?

Previous WCRI research found that excessive heat not only causes heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion but also impairs judgment and perception, increasing the risk of accidents such as being struck by machinery. Heat-related illnesses are 11 to 18 times more frequent on days above 95°F compared with days between 75 and 80°F, yet they represent 20 to 25 percent of all injuries attributable to heat.

The report is free for WCRI members and available for purchase by nonmembers at www.wcrinet.org. It was authored by Olesya Fomenko, Melissa McInerney, and Sebastian Negrusa.

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Responding to our recent webinar on Florida’s Workers’ Compensation System, Joe Paduda remarks,
"The brainiacs at the Workers Compensation Research Institute crammed more insights into a webinar than anyone could reasonably expect.
Ramona Tanabe and Rebecca Yang revealed new information on costs per claim, the health care workforce, the rapidly-growing problem of heat-related injuries, Florida work comp, the impact of co-morbidities on claims, and more."

You can read more here; and you can view this (free!) webinar at GoToWebinar.com.  To access the presentation slides, please visit our website.

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WorkersCompensation.com highlighted WCRI's webinar on "Highlights of Florida’s Workers’ Compensation System."

A recent WCRI webinar covered trends, costs, and, as you might expect for the Sunshine State, the role of hot temperatures in workplace injuries.

Addressing the trend of decreasing physicians and increasing demand for them, WCRI CEO Ramona Tanabe explored who's providing care.

"The average number of physicians per person has decreased, and there is increasing demand because of population growth and aging," Tanabe said.

You can read more here; and you can view this (free!) webinar at GoToWebinar.com.

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