The total number of claims reported to Texas Department of Workers’ Compensation in 2020 was 24% higher than in 2019 and as of Feb. 14, insurers reported 44, 873 COVID-19 claims and 200 related fatalities.
Of the claims, 52% came from first responders and correctional officers and 16% came from health care/social workers, according to a report of data compiled from 74 insurers issued Thursday.
Overall, insurers disputed 49% of COVID-19 positive test claims. Of the 10,985 denials of COVID-19 claims with positive tests or diagnoses, there were only 45 counter disputes filed with the department as of Feb. 14, according to the report.
For COVID-19 claims, indemnity, or income replacement costs soared past that of medical, $21.2 million compared to $13.4 million. Of the medical costs paid, insurers covered $11.1 million in hospital/facility services, 90% of which was for inpatient care, $2.2 million in professional services, 65% of which was for evaluation and management services, and $104,910 in pharmacy services, 46% of which covered respiratory medicines.
More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.
More than half of the insurers providing workers compensation insurance in Texas are “average” performers, according to a report released Wednesday by the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation.