I was reading a notice sent to me by my insurance company and wanted to pass it along to you as well. Your business may be impacted by this upcoming change.
The American Medical Association (AMA) recently reclassified obesity as a treatable disease. This new classification has the potential to increase your workers’ compensation costs because when employees see their doctors due to on-the-job injuries, doctors may need to treat those workers for obesity as well.
Historically, in terms of workers’ compensation, obesity has been classified as a co-morbidity, meaning it is a condition that occurs at the same time as, but independent of, an injury or illness. The new classification of obesity as a disease that requires treatment may cause doctors to feel a greater responsibility to advise patients about their weight if doctors will be reimbursed for the treatment. This could increase workers’ compensation claims because a claim may include treatment for two things (the injury and obesity), or there may be a secondary claim.
To avoid this scenario, you may be inclined to start a wellness program to encourage employees to be more healthy and perhaps reduce the risk of any obesity related claims. From a workers’ compensation standpoint, wellness programs can help you reduce certain risk factors, such as obesity and depression, which can help you potentially shorten the duration of claims and minimize claim costs. However, you need to be careful when implementing a wellness program and be sure that participation is completely voluntary and employee information is provided voluntarily and with written consent. The information must also be kept confidential and separate from personnel records.
The AMA’s recent reclassification of obesity as a treatable disease can be a motivator for you to implement a wellness program at your company and to help employees live healthier lifestyles. However, give serious thought to the programs and activities that you introduce to ensure every employee is included if they want to be.
If you need more information on this topic, contact your worker’s compensation broker who will most likely have even more detailed information than I have shared with you today.
