Tumwater, WA – The price of workers’ compensation insurance in Washington would drop for the third year in a row under a proposal by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). L&I recently proposed a 0.8 percent decrease in the average premium employers would pay for the coverage in 2020. “Workplace injury rates in… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
MD Governor Hogan Appoints Martin to Workers’ Comp Commission
Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission recently announced that on September 10, 2019 Governor Larry Hogan appointed Morrisann Martin to the Commission. Morrisann Martin is a graduate of Goucher College, and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law. After having spent 10 years in the insurance industry as… [Read more]
KY DOI Approves Annual Workers’ Comp Rate Filing
Frankfort, KY – The Kentucky Department of Insurance recently announced the approval of the 2019 rate filing used to develop rates for workers’ compensation coverage. For the 14th consecutive year, the filing shows an overall decrease in Kentucky’s loss costs. A loss cost is an average compensation for lost wages based on the level of… [Read more]
OR Workers’ Comp Costs to Drop for Seventh-Straight Year
Salem, OR – Oregon’s long-running success in managing the workers’ compensation system continues as businesses will see yet another drop in costs in 2020 as the key factor behind annual cost changes dips yet again. The numbers are indicative of a long-term trend: Employers, next year, on average, will pay $1.02 per $100 of payroll… [Read more]
TDI-DWC Revises Work Status Report Form to Allow Advanced Practice Nurses’ Sign Off
Austin, TX – The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has revised DWC Form-073, Work Status Report. The revised DWC Form-073 reflects that advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) may complete and file the form as authorized by House Bill (HB) 387 (86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019). Other changes were made to the… [Read more]
CA WCIRB Releases Report on Workers’ Comp Aggregate Medical Payment Trends
Oakland, CA – The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) recently released the California Workers’ Compensation Aggregate Medical Payment Trends report comparing medical payment information from 2016 to 2018. The report also includes an analysis on utilization and cost of opioid prescriptions over time and by region. Key findings from the report included:… [Read more]
CA WCIRB Analyzes First-Year Impact of State’s New Drug Formulary
Oakland, CA – Effective January 1, 2018, the California Division of Workers’ Compensation adopted an evidence-based drug formulary intended to reduce frictional costs in the workers’ compensation system; restrict inappropriate prescribing, especially those that relate to opioids; and ensure that injured workers receive medically necessary medications in a timely manner. The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating… [Read more]
FL OIR Receives Annual Workers’ Compensation Rate Filing
Tallahassee, FL – The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has received the 2020 Florida workers’ compensation rate filing by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), which proposes a statewide average premium decrease of 5.4%. The new rates would become effective January 1, 2020. As always, OIR will review the filing to ensure the proposed… [Read more]
KS Governor Brown Appoints Cindy Volanti to Workers’ Comp Nominating Committee
Topeka, KS – Governor Laura Kelly appointed Cindy Volanti, Manhattan, to the Workers Compensation and Employment Security Boards Nominating Committee. “People who are injured at work, employers, health care providers and insurance carriers in Kansas all deserve timely, impartial and fair resolutions during workers compensation claims,” Kelly said. “Cindy’s experience in human resources and business… [Read more]
New Hampshire Workers’ Comp Rates Decrease for Eighth Year in a Row
Concord, NH – New Hampshire employers will pay less for their workers compensation insurance next year because of an approved filing that lowers the loss costs insurers use to develop prices. Today, the New Hampshire Insurance Department approved a rate proposal filed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) that will reduce voluntary loss… [Read more]