Legislation spurs increase in Worker’s Comp provider enrollment

The Delaware Department of Labor announced a rise in the number of providers participating in the worker’s compensation system following the passage of SB 164, which became law this past June.

Sponsored by Sen. Jack Walsh, D-Stanton, and Rep. Ed Osienski, D-Newark, and signed into law by Gov. Matt Meyer, SB 164 amended the evaluation and management reimbursement rates for workers’ compensation cases after they had fallen below Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services rates. This led to an increase of more than 200 providers available to treat workers’ compensation cases since the passage of the law, with an expectation that the number will continue to rise.

“This critical reform expands the number of providers willing to accept and treat workers’ compensation patients,” said LaKresha Moultrie, Delaware Department of Labor secretary. “This was an all-hands-on-deck effort between our department, the dedicated members of the Workers’ Compensation Oversight Panel, and the legislature to get this across the finish line. I’m encouraged to see this legislation delivering immediate results and improving access to high-quality care for Delaware’s workforce.”

“For years, I’ve worked to make sure Delaware’s workforce has the fair treatment and access to care they deserve when they’re injured on the job. SB 164 is about restoring that balance – ensuring the workers’ compensation system supports both those who power our economy and the providers who care for them,” said Walsh, prime sponsor of SB 164. “I’m glad I was able to share this vision with my colleague, Rep. Ed Osienski, who ushered this legislation through the House. It is gratifying to see these results so quickly, with providers stepping up to serve Delaware’s workers and strengthen the system that protects them.”

“This is just another example of how Delawareans work together to identify and solve problems which improve our workers’ compensation system, of which our healthcare providers are an integral part,” said Joseph J. Rhoades, Delaware Workers’ Compensation Oversight Panel chair.

To learn more, go to industrialaffairs.delaware.gov/workers-compensation.