Missouri business owners are set to see a marginal increase in workers' compensation rates in 2026. In a move that could to slightly affect the business expenses across the state, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has proposed a 1.3% uptick in workers’ compensation loss costs for the upcoming year. Still, this is part of a bigger picture that shows Missouri enjoying a downward trend in workplace injury frequency over the last six years, according to the latest figures from the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI).
"Missouri employers continue to benefit from a strong, competitive market that helps keep costs stable," stated DCI Director Angela Nelson. As relayed on the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance website, Nelson attributed the modest bump in rates to the natural fluctuations that are part of a healthy insurance market. She emphasized the state's overall positive trend, with a historical record of workplace safety improvements and costs that remain "well below historical levels."
The NCCI split their findings across several industry groups, with manufacturing experiencing the highest proposed increase at 2.9%. Other sectors like contracting and goods & services are looking at a more nominal rise, pegged at 0.3% and 0.4% respectively. The office and clerical sector is also expected to see a 2.1% hike, while miscellaneous industries may encounter a 1.8% increase in loss costs.
Workers' compensation in Missouri provides crucial benefits for employees injured on the job, covering medical costs, part of lost wages, and permanent disability, without employees having to resort to civil lawsuits against their employers for workplace injuries. To meet their obligations under state law, employers can either purchase insurance or become state-certified self-insurers. The DCI not only monitors the competitiveness of these insurance markets, but also provides tools such as an online rate checker to assist employers in making informed decisions regarding workers' compensation insurance.
The Division of Workers' Compensation, part of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, handles the operational aspects of the workers’ compensation system. This includes managing claims, resolving medical fee disputes, and overseeing self-insurance among other duties. The DCI, on the other hand, is tasked with shielding Missouri consumers by supervising the insurance industry and other entities like banks, credit unions, utilities, and professional licensees operating within the state. For more detailed information about the 2026 workers' compensation rates and related topics, interested parties are encouraged to consult the DCI's comprehensive FAQs section.
