This study informs policymakers and stakeholders in Massachusetts 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.

The report compares these medical payment metrics in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.

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

CompScope™ Medical Benchmarks for Massachusetts, 2026 Edition. Terence Cawley. September 2026. WC-26-29.