OBJECTIVES : Use objective data to compare the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS), patients’ all-cause utilization of short- and long-term disability (STD and LTD, respectively) and workers' compensation (WC) and explore changes over time.

METHODS : Retrospective analysis using the WorkPartners WorkPartners Research Reference Database (RRDb) from 2001—2019. For each year, employees with medical-claims for MS were identified. For each benefit, analysis focused on the prevalence of claims and percent of eligible employees filing leaves under each benefit, leave-length(days) and the median-payments as a %-of-salary(MedianPay). Disability/WC payments included lump-sum distributions and potentially extended beyond the year initiated. Employees who suffer work-related injuries/illnesses receive WC, WC-claims without absence from work (medical-only) were excluded. Because sick leave(SL) may be taken for any reason, SL leaves and payments were excluded. All claims for employees with MS were included based on the claim start date. For each benefit, average leave-length and MedianPay were calculated and compared with baseline-period(2001).

RESULTS : During the study period MS prevalence averaged 0.2%. At baseline: 12.1% filed STD-claims, 1.4% LTD-claims, and 1.2% WC-claims. Mean STD-claims were 51.8days and paid 65% of salary(median); LTD-claims were 219.8days and paid 7.2% of salary; WC-claims were 105days and paid 343.1% of salary. From 2002—2019: for STD, 10.7%—20.5% of eligibles filed claims for 63.8%—129.6% of baseline days(BDs) and 57.3%—135.6% of MedianPay; for LTD 1.3%—9.2% filed claims for 61.2%—1386.3% of BDs and 129.2%—810.2% of MedianPay; For WC 0.0%—1.0% filed claims for 0%—1128.6% of BDs and 1.6%—239.5% of MedianPay. MedianPay was highest in 2004(STD), 2017(LTD), and 2008(WC). Claims lengths were longest in 2018(STD), 2005(LTD) and 2010(WC).

CONCLUSIONS : Management of multiple sclerosis is a growing concern for employers. Their employees with MS used a different mix of absence benefits over time with varying durations and payments. Using a constant cost over time for all benefits is not accurate or appropriate.