Season 6 Intro: 2026 Key Issues

Our key issues for 2026:

1. Mental Health Goes Operational
Mental health is no longer fringe in workers’ comp. Our real challenge now is operationalizing access to timely, evidence-based mental health care so it supports recovery instead of becoming a barrier.

2. End of Healthcare Subsidies = Cost Shifting Risk
With federal funding changes, i.e., the loss of funding tied to healthcare subsidies and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), watch closely for cost shifting into workers’ compensation, a pattern the industry has seen before.

3. CMS Civil Monetary Penalties.
This is a brand-new layer in the Medicare Secondary Payer landscape. CMS is expected to release CMP documentation in March. 

4. Complex Claims = The Biggest Opportunity.
 Early identification of red flags, faster access to evidence-based care, and better education for claims professionals prevent complexity → chronicity → runaway costs.

5. Presumptions Are Expanding.
Presumptions continue to shift the burden of proof to employers, especially for PTSD, firefighter cancer, and potential infectious disease claims, with high cost and policy implications. 

6. Employee Well-being & “Quiet Cracking.”
Quiet cracking, marked by disengagement, burnout, and feeling stuck, is emerging as employees remain overloaded and unsupported. Organizations that treat wellbeing as a core risk management strategy see stronger engagement, faster recovery, and lower overall costs.

⚡ Rapid-Fire Watchlist

• DEI & Diversity – Organizations that lean into diversity perform better and attract stronger talent.
• Education & Mentorship – The next generation of WC professionals needs mentorship from experienced leaders. Explore mentor/mentee programs. 
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) – It's time to embrace adaptation. Education is key to using AI wisely. Challenge yourself to adapt as AI is changing rapidly and becoming more integrated in our daily lives. 
• Self-Leadership as a Core Competency – Especially for claims professionals. Self-leadership improves empathy, self-regulation, and decision-making.
• California Premium Increases – California is an outlier worth watching as other states stabilize or decline.

🤝 In-Person Events: Where Professional Growth Accelerates

Connection, learning, and candid conversations happen best face-to-face. Wherever you sit in the workers’ comp ecosystem, attending even two industry events a year sharpens perspective and strengthens relationships.

Yvonne’s Top Picks

• Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) – March | Boston, MA
• National Council of Self Insured  (NCSI) – June | Rancho Mirage, CA
• Workers’ Compensation Institute (WCI) – August | Orlando, FL
• ELEVATE Conference – September | San Diego, CA
• National Comp Conference – September | Las Vegas, NV
• Bonus: Your state or regional workers’ comp conference!

Rafael’s Picks

• Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM) – Annual Conference (March), WC Event (May), Claims College (Fall)
• Workers’ Compensation Claims Professionals (WCCP) + Florida Bar – April | Orlando, FL
• National Medicare Secondary Payer Network – October | Bethesda, MD

Also mentioned: PARMA, PRIMA, NCCI, NRR

¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp