Quarterly Newsletter: April 1 - June 30, 2020

We are pleased to report that while working remotely, our publication schedule has not missed a beat. In addition to continuing to publish new studies, we have educated others about our research in briefings, webinars, and virtual conferences. We were also a resource for top-tier newspapers (USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg) looking to understand the impact of COVID-19 on state workers' compensation systems. Moving forward, our research will be critical to understanding the impact of the virus on these systems (i.e., cost, outcomes, duration). If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us . Thank you for your continued support. ─ John Ruser, president and CEO

Latest Research WCRI FlashReport—Interstate Variation and Trends in Workers’ Compensation Drug Payments: 2016Q1 to 2019Q1 Workers’ Compensation Prescription Drug Regulations: A National Inventory, 2020 WCRI Medical Price Index for Workers’ Compensation, 12th Edition (MPI-WC) Hospital Outpatient Payment Index: Interstate Variations and Policy Analysis, 9th Edition CompScope™ Benchmarks, 20th Edition (15 individual studies) Browse all reports

WCRI In The News Below is a sample of the press coverage our research received over the last three months. Workers face 'uphill battle' proving firms liable if they catch COVID-19 as economy reopens - USA Today States Aim to Expand Workers’ Compensation for Covid-19 - The Wall Street Journal MTA Weighs Payout for Virus Deaths, Nodding to Peril for Workers - Bloomberg COVID-19 Q&A: As businesses reopen amid coronavirus, what are workers' rights? - USA Today As Doctors Prescribe Fewer Opioids for Injured Workers, What Do They Offer Instead? - Insurance Journal Read more

Member Spotlight: Matthew Massaro, The Hartford Recently, we had the opportunity to talk with Matt Massaro, head of workers’ compensation middle and large commercial at The Hartford, which is a Fortune 500, US-based investment and insurance company. In his job, Matt leads a team that drives and supports a broad array of workers’ compensation products and underwriting initiatives to support customer needs.   Read more

Recorded Webinar: COVID-19 Compensability In this free 45-minute recorded webinar, WCRI President and CEO John Ruser and Judge David Langham, of the Florida Office of Judges of Compensation Claims at the Division of Administrative Hearings, discussed COVID-19 compensability and took audience questions. Learn more

Education Over the last three months, we were invited to share our research findings with a diverse group of policymakers and other stakeholders at large conferences and smaller briefings. Below is a sample. Briefings: Arizona Industrial Commission Kentucky Employers' Mutual Insurance Louisiana Office of Workers' Compensation Massachusetts House of Representatives Minnesota Workers' Compensation Insurers Association, Inc. National Academy of Social Insurance The New York State Insurance Department The New York State Insurance Fund The University of Cincinnati The Utah Labor Commission Conferences/Meetings: IAIABC Central States Spring Seminar AMCOMP Webinar - Impacts of COVID-19: The Workers' Comp Perspective Casaulty Actuarial Society Webinar - Opioid Epidemic: Who Is Responsible? Doctors - Pharmaceutical Companies - Attorneys - Insurance Companies? WorkCompCentral's Virtual Conference

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