National – The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) released two reports this week, its State of the Economy: What We're Watching and Exploring Workers Compensation Trends by Industry and State.
- State of the Economy: What We're Watching is NCCI’s quarterly report, which aims to provide a snapshot of economic trends and indicators that may affect the workers' compensation industry. The report's goal is to provide stakeholders with the understanding of key economic developments and their potential implications for premiums, claims, and industry performance. According to NCCI, employment is rebounding in 2026, with stronger hiring and wage growth increasing payroll levels, while overall inflation has accelerated above 4% year over year and medical inflation has remained relatively subdued. The report also stated expectations for interest rates have shifted upward as the Federal Reserve focuses more heavily on inflation, which NCCI noted could affect workers' compensation for insurers' long-term liabilities and investment returns.
- Exploring Workers Compensation Trends by Industry and State, examined variations in lost time claim frequency across industries and jurisdictions. The report found that while overall claim frequency continues its long-term decline, trends vary significantly by sector and state.
- Exploring Workers Compensation Trends by Industry and State, examined variations in lost time claim frequency across industries and jurisdictions. The report found that while overall claim frequency continues its long-term decline, trends vary significantly by sector and state.
- Travelers released its Second Quarter and Year-to-Date 2026 Results report. According to Travelers, second-quarter net income increased to $2.208 billion from $1.509 billion a year earlier, driven primarily by lower catastrophe losses, higher favorable prior-year reserve development, higher net investment income, and higher underlying underwriting income. The report also stated net investment income increased 14% and that the company returned $1.577 billion in capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
- The International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) and the American Association of Payers, Administrators and Networks' (AAPAN) Pharmacy Benefit Manager Council will host a one-hour webinar on August 20 to discuss the impact of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform legislation on workers' compensation systems. Registration is free for IAIABC members, while non-member registration costs $49.
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