Utilization, Attorneys, Open Claims Driving S.C. Rate Hike

Rising medical utilization, increasing attorney involvement and a trend toward longer open claims are driving the costs increases that prompted a recommended 32.9 percent rate hike, the NCCI said in a report obtained by WorkCompCentral. The NCCI said higher wages are also increasing indemnity costs and medical providers are charging higher prices, despite the state's fee schedules. A 24-page executive summary of the rate filing provides these details about South Carolina's system: *The number of claims closing within 24 months dropped from 75 percent in 1993 to 60 percent in 2003. *Medic...