Alleged B. anthracis exposure claims in a workers' compensation setting

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Public health preparedness
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Workers' compensation may not cover medical costs for workplace bioterrorism exposures without diagnosed illness.
• Personal insurance often excludes workplace-related exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine characteristics and costs of workers' compensation claims for potential Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) exposure.
• To inform strategies for addressing costs associated with bioterrorism-related exposures.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 192 claims referred to the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (OBWC) from 2001 to 2004.
• Evaluation of medical costs for eligible claims alleging potential B. anthracis exposure.

Main Results:

• No Ohio claims were linked to actual B. anthracis exposure or illness.
• 126 eligible claims had average medical costs of $219, ranging from $24 to $3,126.
• No significant cost difference was observed between government and non-government employees.

Conclusions:

• Claims and medical costs for potential anthrax exposure were minimal.
• Lack of documented exposures and rapid dissemination of treatment protocols contributed to low costs.
• Proactive strategies are needed for employers, insurers, and jurisdictions to manage potential bioterrorism exposure costs.