Potential Synergies: Wellness, Workers’ Compensation, and Disability Programs

By Gary Anderberg, PhD

SVP Claim Analytics
Gallagher Basset

Multiple studies show that obesity and other common chronic comorbid conditions drive up the cost and duration of workers’ compensation (WC) claims. Effective wellness programs should, in fact, be the place where risk management and benefits find it easy and mutually beneficial to cooperate and share resources. In addition, WC may be the best avenue for demonstrating the impact of good wellness services, since return to work (RTW) deals with the whole person, not just episodes of care.

Since each employer’s approach to wellness plans and WC risk is different, metrics and general program ideas that have broad application are the best way to understand potential shared turf between these two program areas.

Let’s begin by assessing your WC and non-occupational disability risks, especially the role of comorbid conditions in delaying return to work. Significant comorbid conditions include obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and arthritic disorders. When these comorbid conditions are present, a relatively routine WC or disability episode can last longer than normal, running up both indemnity claim costs and replacement costs when a necessary employee is off work for a significant period. Good wellness programs are designed to target exactly these types of chronic, productivity-sapping conditions.

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