This study informs policymakers and stakeholders in Illinois 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 Illinois with those in 26 other states and analyzes recent changes though 2025. It also monitors the impact of regulatory changes on the system, including the annual updates to the rates set by the state’s workers’ compensation fee schedule. Additionally, we draw on findings from other WCRI studies to create a more comprehensive overview of the system in Illinois.

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 Illinois, 2026 Edition. Evelina Radeva. September 2026. WC-26-27.