Commissioner Nickel Responds to Erroneous
Wisconsin Association of Justice Report
Madison, WI—Earlier today, the Wisconsin Association for Justice erroneously reported that Governor Walker and Insurance Commissioner Ted Nickel recommended a 5% rate increase paid by providers to cover the costs of the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund.
"Neither the Governor nor I have the unilateral authority to recommend a rate increase for the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund," stated Insurance Commissioner Ted Nickel. "After consultation with the contracted actuaries and much deliberation by the Board, the Board overwhelmingly recommended the proposed 5% increase in rates to ensure the Fund's long-term solvency. These changes were necessary to ensure the Fund does not shift the responsibility of current obligations on medical providers practicing in the future."
The Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund's mission is to provide excess medical malpractice coverage to Wisconsin health care providers and to ensure that funds are available to compensate injured patients. The Fund was created by legislative enactment in 1975. Health care providers obtain primary medical malpractice insurance from private insurance companies in an amount required by statute.
The Fund is governed by a 13-member Board of Governors (Board).