Letter to lawmakers calls for Medical Fee Schedule
MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association – was joined by 32 other associations from across the state on Tuesday urging lawmakers to tackle ever-increasing medical costs in the worker’s compensation system. The letter from the Worker’s Compensation Employers Coalition follows a similar letter signed by more than 100 Wisconsin employers, showing momentum for the issue in the state’s business community.
Both letters call on the State Legislature to approve the medical fee schedule bill unanimously supported by the Worker’s Compensation Advisory Council.
“Wisconsin has among the highest medical costs for worker’s compensation in the nation…35% higher than the national median,” the letter reads. “The average cost per workers compensation claim in Wisconsin is $10,000 higher for health care cost than the average state.”
Forty-five other states have reined in costs by implementing a medical fee schedule. Wisconsin’s costs for professional health services outpace other midwestern states, including Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois, by more than double.
“The Worker’s Compensation Employers Coalition is in support of the adopting the WCAC fee schedule because it is a tested reform that almost every other state effectively uses to keep medical costs in check,” the letter continues. “Please support Wisconsin employers and bring worker’s compensation medical costs under control.”
Click here to read the full letter.
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