This study informs policymakers and stakeholders in Minnesota 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 Minnesota with those in 26 other states and analyzes recent changes through 2025. It also monitors the impact of regulatory changes on the system, including changes to the hospital outpatient fee schedule that took effect since October 2023. Additionally, we draw on findings from other WCRI studies to create a more comprehensive overview of the system in Minnesota.

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 Minnesota, 2026 Edition. Rebecca Yang. September 2026. WC-26-31.