This study informs policymakers and stakeholders in California by identifying current cost drivers and emerging trends in the payments, prices, and utilization of medical services across both hospital and nonhospital providers in the state’s workers’ compensation system.

It compares these medical payment metrics in California with those in 26 other states and analyzes recent changes through 2025. Additionally, we draw on findings from other WCRI studies to create a more comprehensive overview of the system in California.

The study also provides an overview of how recent system changes, shifts in the composition of workers’ compensation claims, and external factors—such as the economy, inflation, and medical care—have likely affected medical payments and treatment in recent years.

CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for California, 2026 Edition. William Monnin-Browder. September 2026. WC-26-24.