State of the States August 30, 2024

National - Healthe Systems released their 2024 Healthe Systems Survey. According to the survey, 45% of workers’ compensation stakeholders identify the growing complexity of claims as a major challenge in the industry. For claims professionals, this issue ranks as the third most significant challenge.  

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced over $65 million in grants and funding opportunities to address mental health and substance use crises. From 2020 to 2023, SPF-PFS grantees reached over 40 million people through various interventions and public health initiatives.

Enlyte’s released its Pharmacy Solutions Drug Trends Series Report. The report examines pharmacy trends in workers’ compensation and specifically focuses on “High Impact Classes” such as topicals, compound kits, combo packs, and specialty medications. 

New Mexico – The New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration (WCA)  proposed rule changes to parts 2, 3, 4, 7, and 11 of the New Mexico Administrative Code, set to take effect on January 1, 2025. The agency invites the public to participate in a webinar and submit comments on these proposals. The webinar will be held at 1:30 PM on September 6, and a public hearing is scheduled for October 18 at 1:30 PM. Comments can be emailed to gc.clerk@wca.nm.gov. To join the webinar, click here and enter code 301570. 

Pennsylvania – The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania decided they will hear the Federated Insurance Company v Summit Pharmacy case and accepted the appeal, but denied the petition for supersedeas and/or stay pending appeal.  

Texas – The Texas Division of Workers Compensation (DWC) announced it will continue its Brown Bag Series with stakeholders. The meetings are meant to provide a platform for productive interactions between system participants and Hearings. There will be a total of 6 meetings that will be held in September and October with various Hearings’ executive teams. To learn more, click here.

The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI)  proposed a 1% rate cut to state regulators, which would take effect on January 1st. NCCI characterized the workers’ compensation system as “healthy.” It noted that despite high consumer inflation, the inflation for workers’ compensation medical costs remained stable. To learn more, click here. 

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