Texas: Over 90,000 COVID claims, $121 million paid out in benefits
- Insurance carriers reported more than 90,000 COVID-19 claims and 459 COVID-related deaths in Texas, according to the state’s Division of Workers’ Compensation.
- About 80 percent of the fatal claims involved men from the start of the pandemic through early August.
- In addition, about 35% of COVID-19 claims received benefit payments, which totaled $121.6 million, while the other 65% received no benefit, according to the state’s workers’ comp division.
- Benefits included medical, income, death, and/or burial.
New Jersey lowers rates
- The New Jersey Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau announced a 6.1% decrease in workers’ compensation insurance rates effective in 2023.
- The rating bureau filed for a decrease of 4.7% in rates and rating values.
- However, the state insurance commissioner revised the reductions based on the latest financial and statistical data reported to the Rating Bureau, which includes losses resulting from COVID-19.”
- Also, effective Jan. 1, 2023, the maximum weekly benefit for all types of workplace injuries, except permanent partial disabilities, will be raised to $1,099 from $1,065.
The dangers of carbon dioxide
- Employers must be vigilant about the dangers of carbon dioxide (CO2).
- CO2 is odorless and colorless making it impossible for humans to detect, providing no warning of its presence, according to OSHA.
- Exposure to the gas is potentially harmful and even deadly in certain circumstances and employers must make sure that all personnel handling liquid CO2 or dry ice are thoroughly familiar with the associated hazards.
- When new CO2 receptacles are installed, make sure that they are installed at ground level in an open area.
Medical payments decline in Michigan
- The average medical payment per claim decreased by 4 percent in Michigan for 2020 injuries with experience through March 2021, according to a recent study by WCRI.
- This reflects factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the earlier period from 2015 to 2019, medical payments per claim grew 4 percent per year.
- Prices paid and utilization of professional services have been mostly stable since 2015, including small changes in 2020.
- The percentage of claims with certain nonhospital and hospital services decreased in 2020, which may reflect, in part, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.