2. Worker's Compensation
3. Insurance Letters
4. 537

Insurance Letter 537

Purpose

Announce 2023 maximum rates effective January 1, 2023.

Background

Wisconsin’s maximum Worker’s Compensation rate will increase to $1,247 per week for temporary total disability, permanent total disability and death benefits for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2023. The new average weekly wage used to compute the maximum rate is $1,870.50.

Using this new wage raises the maximum death benefit for fatal injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2023, to $374,100. The maximum burial expense remains $10,000 and the death benefit to unestranged parents remains $6,500.

The maximum weekly indemnity rate for permanent partial disability will increase to $430 for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2023.

The 2023 maximum limit for private vocational rehabilitation services increased by 7.9168% to $1,964.00. When the Department of Workforce Development’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is unable to provide services to eligible injured workers, insurers are required to pay the reasonable and necessary vocational rehabilitation costs including the costs of services provided by the vocational rehabilitation specialists in the private sector. This change is based on the average annual percentage change in the U.S. Consumer price index for all urban consumers. The new limit applies regardless of the date of injury.

Action Requested

Please inform all claim handlers of these changes.

Inquiries

A chart with detailed benefit payment information for 2023 is available on our website.

If you have any questions, please contact us at (608) 266-1340.

Reference: Insurance Letter 537