Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

Purpose. Two large social insurance programs protect individuals against the costs of injuries and disabilities that challenge their ability to work: state Workers’ Compensation (WC) programs and the federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. In addition, some states provide coverage through State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs. While these programs provide critical protections for individuals, lowering disability related costs by improving employment outcomes and preventing injuries are key policy goals. In order to evaluate and identify effective policies that accomplish these goals, it is essential to conduct high-quality, empirical research using reliable data. However, this is a challenging proposition because data on disability-related topics is fragmented and sparse. The purpose of this project is to improve access to data on disability-related topics by: (1) collecting aggregate program data on disability-related social insurance programs: WC, SDI, and PFML; (2) identifying options to improve access to micro-level claims data; and (3) assessing the feasibility of an online disability-related social insurance program data hub for researchers.

Methods. We collected and compiled aggregate disability-related social insurance program data from a variety of sources. To facilitate the evaluation of specific changes to WC policies, we conducted a legal review to summarize key legislative changes in each state since 2000. In consultation with an advisory board of disability data experts, we identified barriers to access micro data and state agencies that have a track record of providing data for individual projects. We conducted a literature review to identify micro data that has been used in previous papers and surveyed state agencies that administer WC, SDI, and PFML programs to assess the feasibility and process for obtaining micro data for their state.

Results. We developed a number of data tables for inclusion in a web-based tool, including: WC data from 1980-2015 on benefits paid and employer costs, broken down by type of payer (private insurer, self-insurer, and state fund), information on deductible payments, labor force coverage rates, and WC legislative changes. In states with an SDI and/or PFML program, we produced aggregate data tables on benefits paid, claims, costs, and claimant characteristics, and summarized key program characteristics. Based on surveys sent to state agency representatives, we developed a blueprint that outlines the feasibility and requirements for researchers to obtain WC, SDI, and PFML micro data in various states.

Conclusions. Aggregate program data on disability-related social insurance programs is available. However the data collection approaches and willingness of state agencies to provide micro data to researchers vary widely. This project has taken steps to develop an online disability-related social insurance program data hub that will serve as a tool for researchers in this field.