Workers’ compensation bill amendment could raise medical costs

A proposed amendment to a workers compensation bill in the state General Assembly could cause surgical costs to spike for Connecticut employers if approved, according to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association.

The Senate bill would allow the Workers’ Compensation Commission to set a predetermined fee schedule for a hospital or ambulatory surgical center. The intent of the bill is to provide relief for rising workers’ compensation medical costs throughout Connecticut.

But a proposed amendment to remove ambulatory surgical services could work counter to the bill’s original intent, according to the CBIA.  Most Connecticut employees who can’t afford hospital treatment may not be able to receive compensation for their surgeries at any ambulatory or outpatient surgical center if the amendment passes, the group said.

Since January, workers’ compensation rates rose 5.67 percent in Connecticut, according to the CBIA. The bill and proposed amendment are pending Senate approval.