Workers Comp Unwrapped 403; Retroactive Denials & Overpayment Audits: When Paid Claims Get Pulled Back

Getting paid used to mean a claim was closed.
In 2026, that assumption can cost medical providers millions.

In this episode of Workers’ Comp Unwrapped, Anique and Angela break down the growing trend of retroactive denials, overpayment audits, refund demands, and recoupment threats where insurers attempt to claw back money long after payment has been issued.

We cover:

• Why carriers are revisiting already-paid claims
  
  
  
• How overpayment audits actually start
  
  
  
• The difference between a refund request and a legal obligation
  
  
  
• Common mistakes providers make when audit letters arrive
  
  
  
• How to protect paid claims, preserve leverage, and avoid unnecessary refunds
  
  
  

If you’ve ever received a demand letter months—or years—after payment, this episode explains what’s really happening and how to respond strategically.