Do zero-cost workers' compensation medical claims really have zero costs? The impact of workplace injury on group health insurance utilization and costs

OBJECTIVE: Previous research suggests that non-workers' compensation (WC) insurance systems, such as group health insurance (GHI), Medicare, or Medicaid, at least partially cover work-related injury and illness costs. This study further examined GHI utilization and costs. METHODS: Using two-part model, we compared those outcomes immediately after injuries for which accepted WC medical claims made zero or positive medical payments. RESULTS: Controlling for pre-injury GHI utilization and costs and other covariates, our results indicated that post-injury GHI utilization and costs increased regardless of whether a WC medical claim was zero or positive. The increases were highest for zero-cost WC medical claims. CONCLUSION: Our national estimates showed that zero-cost WC medical claims alone could cost the GHI $212 million per year. Language: en