Workers Comp Preexisting Conditions Review – Back By Popular Demand
Most claims staff and risk managers have the phrase – aggravation of preexisting conditions etched in their memories. Workers comp preexisting conditions have been part of the claims process for decades. In other words, you take them as you get them.
Earlier this year, I wrote an article on the surprising health ranking of the US. The US was ranked 36th in the world for overall health. We received a few inquiries on the source of the information. The other main question received was – Did the pandemic have an effect on the health rankings that appeared in my previous article?
Please note – I am not saying that workers with workers comp preexisting conditions should not be considered for a job/position. Oftentimes, disabled or employees with preexisting conditions turn out to be great and dedicated employees.
We take our health condition with us to work every day. The better our health, the lower the likelihood of having a lost time or medical-only claim, or when one occurs, the severity is not increased by a condition.
10-Year Review of US Health Scores – Better or Worse?
These numbers were provided by Numbeo on this webpage
- 2023 – 36th
- 2022 – 33rd
- 2021 – 30th
- 2020 – 30th
- 2019 – 29th
- 2018 – 30th
- 2017 – 35th
- 2016 – 35th
- 2015 – 41st
- 2014 – 29th
- 2013 – 37th
- 2012 – 40th
As one can see the US health rankings improved during the pandemic. Was that because other countries’ health declined dramatically during the pandemic? From my research – not necessarily.
The average health ranking for the years above is approximately 34th. In the last article, I wrote on this subject, the US was ranked regionally behind Mexico, Canada, Ecuador, and Argentina.
Conclusions on Workers Comp Preexisting Conditions
Let us wrap things up here. Workers Comp claim numbers have been decreasing for 20+ years. The severity and length of WC claims have counterbalanced the reduction in the number of claims.
Ranking so low on the overall health indices naturally means that we, as a nation, are increasing the likelihood of a more severe claim with each occurrence.
2 Responses
Useful article, thank you. Top article, very helpful.
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