The ongoing issue of chronic pain has remained a significant challenge and has even intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, further contributing to rising disability claims and increasing healthcare and workplace costs. As individuals struggle with prolonged pain, often compounded by other physical and mental health conditions, the need for effective claims management and risk mitigation strategies has never been greater.

In this presentation, a panel of disability claims experts from a variety of organizations examined shifts in chronic pain prevalence, duration, and associated costs. They explored emerging trends, key co-morbid factors influencing risk, and best practices for managing complex claims in an evolving healthcare and workplace landscape. Through data-driven insights, this session provided a deeper understanding of how chronic pain impacts claim outcomes and what strategies can help improve both individual well-being and organizational cost management.