Central to the ACC\u2019s strategy is the return to claimants being allocated individual case managers, so they have a single point of contact.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the Herald, ACC chairwoman Jan Dawson said this approach started being used again six months ago, with improvements already noticeable.<\/p>\n
The ACC plans to invest in 285 more claims management staff to help get people rehabilitated faster.<\/p>\n
Dawson recognised a lot of work would need to be done to reduce costs to the extent the ACC\u2019s books broadly get back to a break-even point within the next five years.<\/p>\n
She said the changes wouldn\u2019t make it more difficult for people to get ACC cover.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut there will be a more focused approach to: \u2018You\u2019ve got X injury, here\u2019s the expectation of the treatment you need.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt may be tougher because you\u2019ll be expected to undertake the treatment and participate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dawson said the deal wasn\u2019t one-sided and that there would be a much clearer focus on those who don\u2019t play their part in getting rehabilitated.<\/p>\n
She said the rise in claims costs and the increase in the time it was taking claimants to get back to work happened incrementally over time.<\/p>\n
While changes look small year-on-year, they add up over time and are worth a lot when you consider the ACC manages about two million new claims a year, Dawson said.<\/p>\n
Over the last decade, the number of claimants accessing weekly income compensation for more than one year has grown significantly, from around 12,300 to 24,500.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the amount spent over a year on rehabilitation and treatment support has jumped from $2.1b to $4.4b – an increase well above the rate of inflation or population growth.<\/p>\n
Dawson recognised several factors outside of the ACC\u2019s control weigh on its finances.<\/p>\n
For example, the health system is under pressure. Costs have risen rapidly and wait times for treatment have increased markedly since before the pandemic. There is also more societal awareness around mental health.<\/p>\n
Nonetheless, Dawson \u2013 who is only new to the role \u2013 said the ACC would focus on what it could control.<\/p>\n
She said the question of whether the scope of what the ACC covers needs to be narrowed by law was one for the Government to answer.<\/p>\n
Minister for ACC Scott Simpson had considered legislative change, particularly after a 2023 court ruling related to childhood sexual abuse victims expanded the ACC\u2019s outstanding claims liability by $3.6b.<\/p>\n
However, the Government hasn\u2019t made the change, which would draw criticism for disproportionately affecting women, and would come hot on the heels of its pay equity change, which again saved billions, arguably at the expense of women.<\/p>\n
Dawson recognised the parameters of what the ACC covered were constantly being challenged in court. Accordingly, legislative change in one form or another couldn\u2019t be ruled out in the future.<\/p>\n
Chief executive Megan Main elaborated on the plan: \u201cIt\u2019s about ensuring injured people get the right level of support, at the right time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis includes supporting long-term clients with less serious injuries back to independence (including back to work where this is practical), working in partnership with health providers to improve client outcomes, and ensuring people are getting the right level of support that reflects their current need.\u201d<\/p>\n