Analysis-first news on workers'-compensation insurance: regulation, rates, and rulings, explained.
In J-H Alliance Inc. v. IWCC, the First District affirmed that a COVID-19 furlough did not sever a claimant's second job, so both employers' wages counted toward her benefit rate — pushing combined average weekly wage to $757.67.
Source: illinoiscourts.gov
The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission's official rate schedule fixes a $1,507.01 maximum and $376.75 minimum weekly benefit for injuries on or after July 1, 2026, with a 2.65% COLA effective October 1, 2026.
Source: workcomp.virginia.gov
The NYS Workers' Compensation Board set the maximum at $1,281.50 and the minimum at $384.45 for dates of injury from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, tracking a higher state average weekly wage.
Source: wcb.ny.gov
The April 13, 2026 release makes two narrow changes — an updated CDC life-expectancy table link and added ZIP codes for major medical centers — but the life-table refresh resets the actuarial input behind every federal Medicare Set-Aside projection.
Source: cms.gov
Acting Administrative Director Nicole Richardson's order updates the workers' comp formulary's drug guidance to track the latest ACOEM Traumatic Brain Injury Guideline.
Source: dir.ca.gov
The Department of Financial Services alleges Jacques G. Denomme routed payroll through two money-service businesses over two years to understate exposure; he is charged, not convicted, and the case heads to the Martin County State Attorney.
Source: myfloridacfo.com
In Griffith v. Kulper, the court held that co-employee gross negligence under Iowa Code section 85.20 requires actual knowledge of the specific peril — not a failure to inspect — leaving workers' compensation death benefits as the exclusive remedy.
Source: iowacourts.gov
DWC's approved UR regulations codify the SB 1160 first-30-days and AB 1124 formulary exemptions, tighten plan accreditation and oversight, and rewrite investigation rules for claims administrators.
Source: dir.ca.gov
The Department of Labor & Industry's annual Pennsylvania Bulletin notice fixes the year-of-injury benefit ceiling and the percentage used to update medical reimbursements, both effective January 1, 2026.
Source: pacodeandbulletin.gov
The Division of Workers' Compensation's automatic annual update lifts the office and facility conversion factors from their 2025 levels, raising the reimbursement baseline for physician services across the Texas comp system.
Source: tdi.texas.gov
The state-fund agency will draw on its contingency reserve to hold the hike below projected 2026 claim costs, with the new hourly rates taking effect January 1.
Source: lni.wa.gov
Commissioner Mike Yaworsky signed off on the NCCI-filed reduction effective January 1, 2026, extending an eight-year run of falling rates into a ninth.
Source: floir.gov
DCBS set the advisory pure premium at an average 87 cents per $100 of payroll and trimmed the Workers' Benefit Fund assessment to 1.8 cents per hour, both effective January 1.
Source: apps.oregon.gov