National – National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) released itsMay 2026 Labor Market Insights Report, finding that the labor market showed renewed momentum early in the year, with employment growth rebounding after a weak February and a net gain of 115,000 jobs in April. The report highlights improving industry led by health care but extending to construction, transportation, retail, and hospitality. NCCI also emphasized that unemployment has held steady in the historically low 4.0%–4.5% range, suggesting a balanced labor market, while cautioning that rising business costs, such as higher energy prices, could slow job growth in the months ahead.
- CompPharma released its 20th Annual Prescription Drug Management Survey Report, highlighting continued growth in overall pharmacy spending despite a decline in opioid costs, which fell 7% year over year. The report found that rising cost per prescription continues to pressure payers, while pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) saw improved satisfaction scores, largely due to strong customer service.
- WCRI released a save the date for its 2027 Issues & Research Conference, which will be held March 11–12 at The Westin Boston Seaport District in Boston, Massachusetts.
- WCRI released Interstate Variation and Trends in Workers’ Compensation Drug Payments, 6th Edition to examine how prescription drug payments vary across states and what is driving those trends. The study analyzed data from 31 states to identify changes in spending across drug categories and dispensing methods. It found significant variation in costs by state, driven by differences in drug mix, prescribing patterns, and the use of physician dispensing and mail-order pharmacies. The report also highlights shifting spending trends across key drug groups, including opioids, dermatological drugs, and newer categories like migraine treatments.
Illinois – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzke announced the reappointment of three members to the Medical Fee Advisory Board, which advises the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission on medical fee schedules and access to care. Mayra Khan, Michael Macellaio, and Dr. Preston Wolin will continue their service on
the board.
Oklahoma – Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed two workers’ compensation bills aimed at streamlining the system and adjusting employer thresholds:
- SB 1944 raises the maximum annual payroll limit for agricultural, ranching, and horticultural employers from $150,000 to $250,000, narrowing which workers are classified as employees under the Workers’ Compensation Act and clarifying criteria for independent contractor status.
- SB 1303 eliminates the Advisory Council on Workers’ Compensation, transferring its duties and records to the Workers’ Compensation Commission, with lawmakers noting the council is no longer necessary following the state’s transition to a commission-based system.
South Carolina – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed H 3163 into law, extending workers’ compensation presumptions for firefighters to include strokes, alongside heart and respiratory diseases. The law presumes these conditions arise out of and in the course of employment when developed while actively on duty, making it easier for firefighters to receive workers' compensation benefits.
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