A recent analysis of workers' compensation claims in New York has revealed the impact of long Covid on employees. The report, conducted by the state's largest insurer, found that 71% of claimants with long Covid needed continuing medical treatment or were unable to work for six months or more.
The report also showed that the majority of long Covid patients were younger than 60, and 18% of them had still not returned to work more than a year after contracting the virus. The cost of long Covid was greater than the amount of money paid in compensation claims, as it can lead to disruptions to family and professional lives.
The report also indicated that long Covid cases decreased as a percentage of workers' compensation claims and of Covid-related claims, with the decrease coinciding with the advent of vaccines and new treatments. However, it was also observed that more employees than reflected in the data might have met the criteria for long Covid claims, particularly those in essential occupations.
This report highlights the need to appreciate the impact of long Covid on individuals and the economy. It also serves as an important reminder that the cost of long Covid is not just financial but also includes other factors, such as stigma and disruption to family and professional lives. With this in mind, it is essential to continue to focus on prevention and treatment of long Covid cases.