Wisconsin Worker’s Comp News: 2025 Wisconsin Legislative Updates
The Wisconsin legislature recently enacted several changes to the state worker’s compensation laws through 2025 Wisconsin Act 15 and 2025 Wisconsin Act 33.
Fee Schedule
By July 1, 2027, the Department of Workforce Development is directed to create a fee schedule for services at Wisconsin hospitals that accept Medicaid payments and are not a psychiatric or mental health facility. Eligible hospitals are defined in Wis. Stat. §50.38. The fee schedule will not apply to non-hospitals. Balance billing by eligible hospitals is not allowed. When the fee schedule is applicable, payments must be made within strict time limits.
The application of the fee schedule is dependent on certain fiscal benchmarks, which can be impacted by changes to the federal Medicaid law. We will provide more information regarding the fee schedule in the next year as the administrative rules are created.
Permanent Total Disability Rate Increases
For dates of injury on or after January 1, 2026, the permanent total disability benefit rate will automatically increase on the sixth anniversary of the date of injury and then annually thereafter. The increased rate will be proportional to the maximum permanent total disability rate. For example, if the initial permanent total disability rate is 65% of the date-of-injury maximum rate, then the rate increase will adjust the benefit to 65% of the maximum rate at the time of adjustment. This increase is similar to the current law, but makes the increase automatic (rather than subject to legislative discretion) if certain fiscal benchmarks are met.
DWD and OWCH Back Together
On January 1, 2026, the Department of Workforce Department – Worker’s Compensation Division and the Department of Administration – Division of Hearings and Appeals – Office of Worker’s Compensation Hearings will reunite after several years apart. This change will simplify the administrative process for worker’s compensation claims. Once again, only one administrative body – the DWD – will have jurisdiction over claims, from start to finish. We will continue to provide updates on changes to the rules and procedures as they are determined by the DWD.
Questions? Contact Scopelitis Attorneys Mary Beth Hughes, Michael McFarlane, or Margaret Krei.
News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.
Wisconsin Worker’s Comp News: 2025 Wisconsin Legislative Updates
The Wisconsin legislature recently enacted several changes to the state worker’s compensation laws through 2025 Wisconsin Act 15 and 2025 Wisconsin Act 33.
Fee Schedule
By July 1, 2027, the Department of Workforce Development is directed to create a fee schedule for services at Wisconsin hospitals that accept Medicaid payments and are not a psychiatric or mental health facility. Eligible hospitals are defined in Wis. Stat. §50.38. The fee schedule will not apply to non-hospitals. Balance billing by eligible hospitals is not allowed. When the fee schedule is applicable, payments must be made within strict time limits.
The application of the fee schedule is dependent on certain fiscal benchmarks, which can be impacted by changes to the federal Medicaid law. We will provide more information regarding the fee schedule in the next year as the administrative rules are created.
Permanent Total Disability Rate Increases
For dates of injury on or after January 1, 2026, the permanent total disability benefit rate will automatically increase on the sixth anniversary of the date of injury and then annually thereafter. The increased rate will be proportional to the maximum permanent total disability rate. For example, if the initial permanent total disability rate is 65% of the date-of-injury maximum rate, then the rate increase will adjust the benefit to 65% of the maximum rate at the time of adjustment. This increase is similar to the current law, but makes the increase automatic (rather than subject to legislative discretion) if certain fiscal benchmarks are met.
DWD and OWCH Back Together
On January 1, 2026, the Department of Workforce Department – Worker’s Compensation Division and the Department of Administration – Division of Hearings and Appeals – Office of Worker’s Compensation Hearings will reunite after several years apart. This change will simplify the administrative process for worker’s compensation claims. Once again, only one administrative body – the DWD – will have jurisdiction over claims, from start to finish. We will continue to provide updates on changes to the rules and procedures as they are determined by the DWD.
Questions? Contact Scopelitis Attorneys Mary Beth Hughes, Michael McFarlane, or Margaret Krei.
News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.