National: U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. This legislation expands the range of healthcare providers authorized to treat injured federal employees by including physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Previously, only physicians, defined as medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), were permitted to provide care under the program.
The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) released its latest Labor Market Insights report and Annual Carrier Executive Survey Results:
- The Labor Market Insights report offers a monthly overview of key labor market trends and their potential implications for the workers’ compensation industry. The report highlights a rebound in September in employment, with overall jobs up by 119,000 and private sector gains of 97,000. Growth occurred in construction, retail, health care, and leisure and hospitality, while manufacturing and transportation saw slight declines. Despite these gains, unemployment rose due to increased labor force participation, mainly among younger workers.
- Annual Carrier Executive Survey Results highlight key concerns shaping the workers’ compensation industry. Executives cite ongoing rate declines, economic uncertainty, and rising medical severity as top issues, while workforce changes and emerging technologies like AI add new challenges. Despite these pressures, combined ratios remain strong, and NCCI is responding with enhanced insights and research to guide the industry’s future.
Clayco released Combating Stigma: Mental Health and Support Issues in the Construction Industry. The survey shows 64% of U.S. construction workers experienced anxiety or depression in the past year, up from 54% in 2024. While more workers are seeking treatment, stigma persists 45% feel ashamed to discuss mental health, and 37% report workplace discrimination. To address this, Clayco launched the Construction Industry Mental Health Support Pledge and partnered with NAMI to promote psychological safety, reduce stigma, and expand access to resources, fostering a culture where seeking help is seen as strength, not weakness.
Missouri: Missouri Employers Mutual (MEM) announced it awarded over $3.4 million in safety grants to policyholders. Almost half of the grants addressed strain injuries, while about 24% focused on preventing slips, trips, and falls. MEM reports that employers using its Safety Grant program have seen up to a 100% reduction in claims and related costs in targeted areas.
Washington: The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced the average cost of workers’ compensation insurance will increase by 4.9% in 2026. Beginning January 1, employers and employees will pay an additional $1.37 per week, on average, for each full-time position. Employers cover roughly 75% of the premium, while workers contribute about 25%. The increase is lower than what L&I projects will be needed to fully fund 2026 claim costs. To make up for the difference, the agency will draw from its workers’ compensation contingency reserve, as it has in previous years.
Stay connected to all relevant information in workers' compensation and pharmacy by subscribing to our weekly newsletter. For the previous wrap-up, please click here.