CWCI Changes for Workers' Comp. Prescriptions

Over the previous decade, the California's workers' comp. system has seen a shift in the drugs used to treat injured employees, with opioids becoming significantly less common and anti-inflammatory medications taking up an increasingly bigger role in terms of prescriptions written and overall drug spending.

The California Workers' Compensation Institute released new data on the top 10 therapeutic drug categories in the state's workers' compensation system, based on the number of prescriptions and overall reimbursements.

In 2016, NSAIDs surpassed opioids to become the most popular workers' compensation drug group, and in 2021 these alternatives rose to a record 34% of prescriptions given to injured employees in California. According to the CWCI, the growth in the number of prescriptions for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during this time has been driven almost entirely by increased ibuprofen use, which rose from 27% of all anti-inflammatories in 2012 to 41.2% of NSAIDs dispensed in 2021.

Ibuprofen is now the most widely used pain medication in workers' compensation, accounting for 14.1% of all prescriptions written in 2017, putting it far ahead of another NSAID, naproxen (8.3%). The share of opioid prescriptions has decreased dramatically over the last ten years. Completing the top five most popular drug classes in 2021 were anticonvulsants, dermatologicals, and antidepressants, which are all used to treat pain. Anticonvulsants and dermatologicals are frequently used to treat pain, and their share of workers' comp. prescriptions has risen over the last decade, while antidepressants have climbed to record numbers.

The top 10 therapeutic drug categories, according to CWCI researchers, recorded 77.9% of the overall drug spending in 2021, down from 80.2% in 2012, when opioids took 26.2% of the prescription dollars (vs. 5.8% last year) and ulcer drugs made up 10.3% (vs. 6.3% in 2021).

The 2021 data also revealed that several additional drug classes (psychotherapeutic and neurological medications, anticoagulants, and antidiabetic drugs), which a decade ago each represented just 0.3% of the prescription dollars, are now among the 10 most expensive drug groups.

Average payments for over-the-counter medications ibuprofen and naproxen, which together make up almost two-thirds of all NSAIDs dispensed in 2021, were $12 and $47 a piece, making them a relatively cheap option for those receiving workers' compensation benefits.

What does this all mean for workers' compensation benefits?

This shift in drug use has had a significant impact on workers' compensation benefits. The average payment for over-the-counter medications ibuprofen and naproxen has decreased significantly in recent years, making them a more affordable option for those receiving workers' compensation benefits. Additionally, the share of opioid prescriptions has decreased dramatically over the last decade, making these drugs less common among those who have been injured on the job.

This can potentially lead to fewer issues with addiction which has been an unfortunately common result for those who take opioids. If this shift can lead to fewer people dying from an addiction to opioids and provide cheaper alternatives, then that should be seen as a win-win from a health and safety standpoint. Hopefully, this trend continues as alternative medications become more popular and workers' compensation benefits increasingly focus on cheaper options.

If you have any questions or concerns about the changes being made in regard to medication and the workers' compensation system, reach out to us at Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney. We have been workers' comp. specialists for over 30 years and are constantly up to date on the latest changes when it comes to California's workers' compensation system and the benefits you are eligible for after being injured on the job. When it comes to anything related to workers' compensation, we've got your back.

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.