According to a study released by the National Academy of Social Insurance (the Academy) and republished by the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, there was a significant drop in workers compensation benefits paid in Illinois, especially when compared with the rest of the country. The study indicates that there was a 19.3% decrease between 2011 and 2015 in Illinois, while the rest of the country actually experienced a 2% increase over the same period. The total workers’ compensation benefits paid in Illinois in 2015 totaled $2.4 billion (for reference).
According to researchers, the decrease was likely caused by a series of alterations to the medical delivery system in 2011, which included a reduced medical fee schedule and the institution of a preferred provider program. Other changes included changes to the disability rating standards and legislation that changed the statutory benefit levels, which likely contributed to the drop in payment over the years that followed.
In addition, the growth in employers’ workers’ compensation costs (3.8%) failed to grow at the pace experienced by the rest of the country (21.6%). To read more about this study, read the story here. If you or a loved one has been hurt at work and has been wrongly denied workers’ compensation benefits, contact the team at Spiros Law, P.C. at (815) 929-9292 to discuss your legal options.
