In New York State, workers compensation(WC) claims for occupational diseases are frequently challenged by WC insurers. Until the WC claim has been accepted by a judge as work-related, which can take months to years, workers usually can't recieve medical care or wage replacement payments. A prior study of WC claims for carpal tunnel syndrome in NY found that being a low wage or minority worker significantly increased the likelihood of claim challenge by WC insurers. To address potential disparities in access to WC health care for garment workers, a group comprised primarily of low wage, immigrant female workers, UNITE (the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees) initiated a demonstration project at the UNITE Union Health Center (UHC) in which UNITE members could recieve prompt access to medical care for occupational conditions regardless of WC claim status. Between 1996 and 1998, 256 NY workers were diagnosed with a work-related condition at the UHC. Of that group, 205 (80%) filed WC claims. WC claimants were primarily female (76%), non-white (96%), and immigrant (95%). Most (88%) of the claims were for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). There were substantial delays in claim resolution (mean, 567 days, range, 135-1126 days). The majority of workers (62%) were not working when they filed for WC; of the entire group, 58% were deemed totally disabled by their physician. Despite enhanced access to medical care, lengthy delays in claim adjudication and complex return to work issues were daunting problems for these vulnerable workers.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn about difficulties faced by low wage workers in the New York Workers Compensation system, and will learn about a demonstration project at a union-based health center to provide enhanced access to medical care for garment workers with workers compensation claims
Keywords: Workers' Compensation, Access to Health Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Funding for the demonstration project was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Workers Compensation Health Care Inititiative,it was conducted at the UNITE Union Health Center
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.