Workers’ Compensation – Now What?

Industry Leaders On the Challenges Ahead for Century-Old System

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the workers’ compensation system in the U.S., as explained by Christopher J. Boggs, director of Education with Insurance Journal’s Academy of Insurance, on page 8 in Workers’ Compensation History: The Great Tradeoff! As Boggs writes, the states’ workers’ compensation systems have evolved and expanded since the beginning. In addition to looking back at the history of workers’ compensation, Insurance Journal decided to look ahead. We asked eight experts: What do you think will be the challenges and trends—good and bad— for workers’ compensation in the decades ahead?

1. A Changing Workforce Among Many Challenges, Stephen J. Klingel, NCCI Holdings Inc.
2. Economy, Expenses, Employers’ Clout Likely to Discourage Major Changes to System, Donald DeCarlo, AMCOM
3. Demographics, Healthcare Reform, Economy and Data Will Help Define Future, Arthur Cadorine, ISO
4. For Agencies: Not Business As Usual, Preston Diamond, Institute of WorkComp Professional
5. Service Economy Encouraging, Obesity Discouraging, Joseph L. Petrelli, Demotech, Inc.
6. Medical Losses, Top Line Growth Top Challenges, Mike Britt, Accident Fund Insurance Co. of America
7. Safer Workplaces, But Older Workforce, Frank Pennachio, The WorkComp Advisory Group
8. Achieving Social Objectives, Public Interest, Glenn Shor, National Academy of Social Insurance