House Bill 1153 (Worker’s Compensation), authored by Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) and Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo), was referred to the Senate Pensions and Labor Committee Tuesday. It looks like there is a good chance to pass legislation this year that would cap ambulatory surgical centers’ (ASCs) reimbursement rates at 200% of Medicare. The bill would also provide a 2% worker benefit increase for the next four years. Data from the Worker’s Comp Research Institute shows that ASCs’ medical costs have been rising at a rate greater than other providers. Capping the rate reigns in those rising costs.
The cost savings from the reimbursement rate and the combined increase in worker’s comp benefits will not increase employer premiums according to an analysis conducted by the Indiana Compensation Rating Bureau/National Council on Compensation Insurance.
Resource: Mike Ripley at (317) 264-6883 or email: mripley@indianachamber.com
