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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

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Yvonne and Rafael take time to reflect on Season 5, their accomplishments, and the time they spent with guests.

They also discuss new features of Deconstructing Comp, including the launch of the Work Comp Changemaker Awards, a new website, a monthly newsletter, a YouTube channel, and so much more!

Grab your headphones, your favorite beverage, and let's go have a chat!

¡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

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In this episode, Yvonne and Rafael talk with Darrell Mathis, Director of Workers’ Compensation for the City of Chicago, and explore his work to modernize and manage one of the nation's largest municipal programs.

Darrell shares his 33-year journey from the private sector to public service, offering candid insights into program reform, transparency, and talking about “paying what we owe.”

He discusses how Chicago has transformed litigation strategy, reduced claim backlogs, and improved fairness for injured employees, all while supporting first responders facing unimaginable risks.

City of Chicago is self-insured and works with a TPA to administer claims. With over 33,000 employees and 3,600 open claims, Darrell’s team is setting a new benchmark for municipal excellence in workers’ compensation. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of leadership, accountability, service mindset, and compassion in public-sector risk management.

Darrell also opens up about his own health journey and how dedicating himself to the City of Chicago and the work he loves became a key part of his recovery.

Key Takeaways

• How municipal code changes, litigation reform, and payment integrity reshaped Chicago’s comp program.
• Why “paying what we owe” builds trust and accelerates resolution.
• The real challenges of managing 3,600 open claims and a $700M reserve.
• Strategies to motivate and retain adjusters in a high-pressure environment.
• Chicago’s commitment to care for catastrophically injured police and firefighters.
• Darrell’s vision to make Chicago the global gold standard for workers’ compensation programs.

Darrell mentioned some folks who help him keep the lights on at the City of Chicago Workers' Compensation program:

• Donald “Taylor” Chittick – Asst. Director
• Tiffany Williams – RTW Project Manager
• Kathleen Heenan – Workers’ Compensation Liaison
• Tomeka Long – Workers’ Compensation Liaison
• Ashley Chen – Admin

Darrell mentions his devotion to faith and service. He is an ordained Deacon at the Progressive Baptist Church. His Pastor is Dr. Charlie E. Dates. As an officer of the Church, he is involved with many aspects of the ministry. Black Boy Lit is an initiative of Progressive Baptist Church and Salem Baptist Church. Dr. Dates is the Pastor of both churches.

Additionally, he and his wife chair a capital campaign for the church, called DREAM.

¡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