Blunt: Workers Comp Rates Down

The Blunt administration is touting a new study that indicates workers compensation rates in Missouri are decreasing.

In a release today, Gov. Matt Blunt's cites a filing by the National Council on Compensation Insurance. The Council recently proposed a decrease of 10 percent from its 2007 losses from the state of Missouri. The numbers are used to establish workers comp rates in the state.

"The effects of workers’ compensation reform appear to be having a positive impact on Missouri employers while providing essential protections for Missouri workers harmed on the job. This dramatic 10 percent reduction in costs for Missouri employers is helping attract and retain more jobs, promote continued economic growth and provide more opportunities for Missouri workers," Gov. Blunt said in a statement.


“The National Council on Compensation Insurance’s data indicates that claim frequency has declined. We believe one of the reasons for this downward pressure can be attributed to the 2005 workers’ compensation reform,” said Doug Ommen, director of the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration. “We continue to see rate decreases in the workers’ compensation market and more insurers entering the market because they can provide employers with competitive rates and service.”

This comes just days after a national economic nonprofit group gave Missouri low marks for its workers compensation coverage.

Gov. Blunt signed a new workers compensation package into law back in 2005 that restricted awards employees could win from accidents and injuries on the job.