NCCI, with its private data, seems to ignore the fact that cost shifting is still occurring from workers' compensation insurance coverage to the general taxpayer by the utilization of Medicare. Until CMS finally shuts the door once and for all, older workers are going to take the easier path for benefits through Medicare. Medicare leaves the choice of doctors and the number of physicians to the patient.
At this point in time, the few senior workers who do file compensation claims for injuries superimposed on general deteriorating medical conditions, are being denied work comp due to pre-existing conditions and age related deterioration. It "used to be" that workers' compensation "took the worker as they found him (her)," but that has changed through the insurance company initiated legislative efforts in a majority of jurisdictions.
Until such time as the workers' compensation system becomes user friendly to senior workers, those workers will be left out of the compensation system and will not realize the additional benefits of temporary and permanent partial or total disability benefits. Under the current system the senior workers, and the general taxpayer, are the big losers. The system needs to be reversed so that workers' compensation becomes a winning solution to the problem.
Read more about the baby boomers who are working: In a Second Career, Working to Make a Difference
“The concept of retirement is fading,” said Mary S. Bleiberg, ReServe’s executive director. “There is a steady increase in people over 65 going into or staying in the workforce. People are realizing they’re going to be around a lot longer, and there’s a limited number of golf clubs they can swing.”
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