After Years of Inaction by Lawmakers, New Fee Schedule Could Mean Sticker Shock

Once more, with feeling. Despite three years of inaction by the Legislature, the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation is moving ahead with the 2018 editions of its medical fee schedules and reimbursement manuals. Stakeholders said they aren’t expecting lawmakers to ratify the fees when they meet again in January. But without approval from legislators, some fees will remain stuck at 2015 and 2016 levels, underscoring Florida’s position as one of the lowest-paying states. There’s also growing concern that if and when the Legislature does approve the rates, insur...