COVID-19 Claims Could Skyrocket Workers' Compensation Premiums: What Employers Need to Know

Health-care Workers and Emergency Responders Eligible for Benefits

Health-care workers and emergency responders in some states can now collect workers' compensation benefits if they can prove they caught COVID-19 on the job, according to Bloomberg. This change in rules aims to protect those who are at the forefront of the pandemic, but it also raises concerns about the potential impact on employers.

Employers Face Rising Premiums

Employers need to be aware of these changing rules and prepare for the likely outcome—skyrocketing premiums. State workers' compensation boards around the country are amending rules for benefits payouts to include health-care workers exposed to the virus and then quarantined. This influx of successful claims could significantly affect businesses' premiums to insurance carriers.

Essential Workers Also Qualify

Some argue that essential workers like grocery store employees and delivery workers should also qualify for these benefits. This broader eligibility could further increase the number of claims and, consequently, the premiums. According to a report by Advisen, COVID-19 has prompted a host of questions for workers' compensation cover, including who should be eligible to receive benefits and how workers can prove they caught the virus on the job.

To mitigate the impact on premiums, employers should stay informed about the changing rules and consider implementing additional safety measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure among their employees.