10. Impaired workforce

Legal marijuana is more available than ever before. It's only a matter of time before the federal government reclassifies marijuana as a legal substance, says Walls. For employers, this could mean a percentage of their employees are high on the job — a problem for risk managers going forward. (Photo: Shutterstock)

When it comes to workers' compensation, however, many issues — both old and new — will be top of mind for employers this year. Here are 10 to know.

1. Health care in 2020

Two years into the current administration, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains the law. However, lawmakers have reshaped it through regulatory, budgetary and legal actions. Ahead of the 2020 election, Democrats will likely continue campaigning on healthcare. On the state level, Medicaid expansion has happened in all but 14 states. Addressing the cost of prescription drugs will also continue to be a focus for both Democrats and Republicans. (Photo: Shutterstock)

2. Legislative changes

"Elections in 2018 may have a big impact on the workers' compensation landscape in 2020," says Walls. Eight states (Alaska, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico and Wisconsin) saw a change to the party of the governor after the 2018 midterms. The change in leadership can impact workers' compensation in part due to new regulators and administrative law judges. "These positions have a significant impact on the practice of workers' compensation within the individual states," adds Walls. Nationally, in 2018, more than 100 bills were introduced to expand presumptions for first responders. Many of these bills pertained to post-traumatic stress disorder, often referred to as "PTSD." (Photo: Shutterstock)

3. Psychology of pain |

Treating pain is much more complicated than prescription medications and physical therapy. Research shows treating anxiety and psychological support reduces pain and pain medication, says George. "Understanding a patient's response to pain earlier in a claim offers an opportunity to proactively create a meaningful, holistic treatment plan," she adds. "The workers' compensation industry has an opportunity to treat pain holistically and minimize disability for pain patients." (Photo: iStock)

4. Politics of permanent impairment

The American Medical Association's 6th edition guidelines recognized that the purpose of medical treatment was to restore the injured worker to prior function. The result was that for some injuries, the impairment rating was lower than under prior editions. This caught the attention of plaintiffs' attorneys, says Walls, who argued these lower impairment ratings were unfair to injured workers because they resulted in lower permanent impairment benefits. In 2018, the Kansas Supreme Court found that the use of the association's 6th edition for impairment ratings was unconstitutional in certain circumstances. Walls says states should ask themselves what is the purpose of impairment guidelines in their state. (Photo: Shutterstock)

5. Social determinants of health

George says addressing social determinants of health is as important as the quality of care a patient receives. Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, live, work, play, worship and age that factor into overall health. Holistic care approaches are being considered more rather than just treating a specific disease or condition with a doctor's visit or hospital stay. (Photo: Shutterstock)

6. The economy's impact on workers' compensation

The U.S. economy is doing very well right now. Unemployment is at record lows and wages are climbing, says Walls. Higher unemployment and wages means higher payroll; higher payroll leads to higher workers' compensation premiums. However, higher employment rates also mean more workers are in the workforce who haven't been adequately trained or aren't in the best physical condition. (Photo: Shutterstock)

7. Employee health models

Benefits continue to be a talent attraction and retention tool for employers. The health of an employee directly correlates with productivity and business performance, says George. One trend to watch is direct primary care, especially with on-site health and wellness clinics on the rise. These doctors don't accept insurance but rather charge a monthly membership fee. (Photo: iStock)

8. Mega claims

Accident survivability, an increase in auto accidents, and expensive medical advancements are leading to a higher frequency of mega claims. Regarding workers' compensation premium rates in 2019, Walls notes that "overall, rates will remain fairly flat with some states seeing price rate decreases." But he adds, 2019 could be closer to a combined break-even ratio than in the last three years, according to analyses by A.M. Best and Fitch. (Photo: iStock)

9. Leave of absence

Employers are getting more family friendly. "State and local laws, the talent war and employee expectations are leading more employers to implement more leave of absence programs," says George. (Photo: Shutterstock)

10. Impaired workforce

Legal marijuana is more available than ever before. It's only a matter of time before the federal government reclassifies marijuana as a legal substance, says Walls. For employers, this could mean a percentage of their employees are high on the job — a problem for risk managers going forward. (Photo: Shutterstock)