COVID-19 Indemnity Data Confirms Suspicions: How Can We Help?

Written by: Nikki Jackson, CPCU, ARM, CDMS

The WCRI conference this year was packed with lots of data surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and some of the impacts on workers’ compensation. During the session State of the States: Selected Findings, Rebecca Yang, Senior Public Policy Analyst walked us through some preliminary findings of the CompScope™ Bechmarks, 22nd Edition.

The preliminary findings indicate an increase in indemnity benefits with temporary disability being a major contributor. In addition, the average weekly wage and corresponding indemnity benefits of those injured at work was higher because of the shift in the percentage of claims for middle-to-high wage earners. In other words, there were less claims for lower-wage earners at these workers may have lost their jobs during the pandemic (restaurant servers, cashiers, dishwashers, hosts, etc.).

Except for a few states, there was an increase in the duration of temporary disability in 2020. The contributing factors discussed included unemployment, lack of light duty work, fear of exposure, inability to secure medical care, and delays in determining maximum medical improvement. The less obvious contributing factors stemmed from employee behavioral changes like the fear of seeking treatment at a facility which was associate with increased COVID-19 exposure risks. Also, employees with job insecurities or retaliation fears may not have reported injuries or occupational injuries.

Many of us are anxious to see the published study. In the meantime, claims professionals have an opportunity to turn the data around as we inch toward the new normal by:

• Utilizing telemedicine where appropriate.
• Offering transitional duty when it is available.
• Providing a full explanation of benefits to injured workers.
• Encouraging the use of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), if available.
• Breaking down language barriers with telephonic, video, or in-person interpretation.  
• And more.  

To learn more about how MTI can help employers, injured workers, and claims professionals, visit

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I found myself in the zone, writing a piece about the 2nd anniversary from the date the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a virus, when a chirp reminded me to login for an AWWC webinar. Deciding the session, 'Leading with Intention,' would be a refreshing break from the loom and gloom, I logged in (if you missed the session, head over to the webinars section of their website).

The webinar was a discussion about some of the challenges and trends in the workers' compensation industry and the presenters were the founding board members of the organization and included Artemis Emsil, Nina Smith, Lisa Hannusch, and Magdalena Alvarez Miller.

Leading with intention is a broad question, so some of the presenters listed what was important to them. A common theme was staying focused on your goals and not getting sucked into distractions (WFH, Great Resignation, COVID-19, etc.) while also being present.

When the panel was asked to talk about passing lessons on to future generations of women, they discussed the importance of mentoring, reaching out to new talent, and sponsoring women.

The panelists were asked to share some of the lessons learned in their careers. They went on to say as women, we tend to be people-pleasers, and we can't make everyone happy. Advice was given to avoid the shiny penny and refocus on your goals to ensure you lead with intention.

I enjoyed listening to the panelists discuss their transitions into leadership.

Did they wake up one morning, knowing they would be leaders one day? I can't give it all away, so you'll have to listen to the webinar for yourself, but I can tell you this was not a black and white answer.

Work-life balance was a popular topic, especially in light of the work-from-home environments many were forced into as a result of the pandemic. As women, we have to understand what our needs are (they are all unique) and focus on what makes you fulfilled because that is what provides balance. When working remotely, the lines get blurred because many of us no longer close a physical door. There are going to be times when you have to take a personal call during business hours, but there will also be times when you need to take a call from a client on your personal time. It's important to be mindful of this and find what works best for you. I'd be remiss if I didn't thank the moderator, Jennifer Ryon, and my employer, MTI America, for the opportunity to attend.

I speak for many when I say we are looking forward to the next webinar. My sincerest thanks to the Alliance of Women for putting this together.

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