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Legislative News |
Workers' Compensation Talks Break Down
No Consensus on Cost Controls
By Cal Whitehead
Legislative Lobbyist
Whitehead Consulting, LLC
Mediated discussions between provider and insurance representatives on workers' compensation insurance reforms have concluded with no consensus on medical cost control measures. Despite multiple meetings since spring when key legislators ordered interested parties into a non-binding mediation process, stakeholders were unable to agree on specific policy changes that would slow growth or reduce the medical cost component of workers compensation premiums. It is expected that the insurance lobby will re-introduce legislation in January to implement a Medicare-based statutory fee schedule that would limit reimbursements for all workers' compensation care and services.
Virginia has the fourth lowest workers comp insurance premiums in the United States. Insurance industry lobbyists want to fix fees paid for surgical procedures, office care, therapy and medicines claiming Virginia’s costs are higher than other states. Doctors, hospitals, therapists, and patient advocates have repeatedly signaled willingness to explore systemic reforms that would not threaten access to providers or reduce quality of outcomes. Insurers and large employers were unwilling to consider options that did not include fee reductions and rules based on federal programs.
Providers led by the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV), Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA), and the Virginia Orthopaedic Society (VOS) will continue to talk with the key legislators and business community to advance important reforms. VOS encourages members to communicate to local Delegates & state Senators that they should oppose price-fixing in statute and that providers are continuing efforts to maintain access to high quality care and contain costs.
Please contact VOS Advocacy Coordinator Cal Whitehead at cwhitehead@whiteheadconsulting.net with questions or for more information
on how to engage your General Assembly members.
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Orthopaedic Surgeons Name Ware “Legislator of the Year”
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| Delegate R. Lee Ware, Jr. (R-Powatan), 2013 VOS Legislator of the Year (left) with presenter Jonathon Issacs, MD, Immediate Past President of VOS. |
By Cal Whitehead
Legislative Lobbyist
Whitehead Consulting, LLC
The Virginia Orthopaedic Society (VOS) named Delegate R. Lee Ware, Jr., (R-Powhatan) the 2013 “Legislator of the Year.” Delegate Ware, who represents the 65th House District, was recognized for his policy efforts to maintain patient access to high quality musculoskeletal care – especially in the area of workers compensation. VOS and provider organizations have worked closely with Delegate Ware on legislation to keep Virginia an affordable state for employers who want to get injured employees back to good health and work quickly.
VOS Immediate Past President, Dr.Jonathan Isaacs, a Richmond area hand surgeon, presented Delegate Ware with the award on September 3. Dr. Isaacs stated that “Lee Ware has been an important leader in the workers' compensation reform discussions. It’s been critical to have someone who understands the balance between quality and affordability.”
Virginia has the fourth lowest workers' compensation insurance rates in the nation. However, employers and insurers are concerned about the growth of the healthcare component costs. The VOS and many other stakeholders have been participating in discussions about how to slow cost growth without threatening access to high quality physicians, hospitals, and others who care for injured workers. Attempts to reach any agreements on legislation will continue through the fall.
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