Pharmacy Benefits Management

Workers’ Comp Drug Costs Reverse Course, Rising Sharply Across Most States

After years of decline, prescription payments per medical claim increased in the majority of states studied between 2022 and 2025, according to the Workers Compensation Research Institute.

How Data-Driven Strategies Are Reshaping Claims Management and Reducing Costs

Outdated Policy, Modern Costs: Rethinking Pharmacy Choice in Workers’ Compensation

15 Questions for Optum’s Dr. Robert Hall

The Shifting Landscape of Workers’ Compensation Pain Management

Recently in Pharmacy Benefits Management

FDA Ramps Up Label Warnings on Opioids

The Food and Drug Administration’s new label requirements for opioids stress the risk of abuse, addiction, overdose, and death.

New Mexico Tries to Undo Marijuana Mandate

Bills in the state’s House and Senate would free payers from any obligation to reimburse for medical marijuana.

Rising Use of Detox

Detox programs can help reduce long-term workers’ comp costs, but they are few and far between.

Drug Dangers Beyond Opioids

Workers’ compensation payers are increasingly concerned about the risks associated with drugs prescribed in conjunction with opioid pain medication.

Compounding ‘Conspiracy’ Case Goes to Court

A St. Louis court will hear arguments from pharmacies alleging that Express Scripts and its partners are plotting to drive them out of business.

Formularies Rise in Popularity

There has been a sharp rise in the number of states either implementing or considering drug formularies for workers’ comp.

Deadline Nears for NWCDC Speaker Proposals

Time is almost up for submitting speaker proposals for the 2016 National Workers’ Compensation and Disability Conference & Expo.

Best Use of Nurse Case Managers

Nurses with soft skills can significantly improve outcomes on complex claims.

Comp’s Most Bizarre Cases

One expert in workers’ comp law recounts some of the most interesting cases of the year.

Selected Sessions for Friday, Nov. 13

We highlighted these sessions for today’s NWCDC attendees.

The Elephant in the Room

A progressive goal attainment program can help injured workers overcome psychosocial risk factors.

Predicting Claims Severity

Models analyze variables at intake and afterward to identify claims that may become adverse.

Shaping the Future of Workers’ Comp

Boeing is innovating to improve both its workers’ comp outcomes and the quality of health care delivered to its workers.

Selected Sessions for Thursday, Nov. 12

We highlighted these sessions for today’s NWCDC attendees.

Managing Service Providers

Quality assurance programs prevent talented claims adjusters and supervisors from jumping ship.

Focus on Behavioral Issues

Technology is helping to transform medical services, but employers and providers need to focus more on socioeconomic factors.

Selected Sessions for Wednesday, Nov. 11

We highlighted these sessions for today’s NWCDC attendees.

Welcome!

Tested solutions for the toughest challenges.

Theodore Roosevelt Workers’ Compensation and Disability Management Award Winners

Teddy Award winners will be honored on Thursday at “Steal These Ideas! Award-Winning Employers Share Their Successes,” beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Commitment to Care

The Theodore Roosevelt Workers’ Compensation and Disability Management Award honors exceptional programs that innovate to produce the best results.