JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) announced the release of workers’ compensation rates for employers for 2026.
While the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) proposed a slight 1.3% increase for 2026 workers’ compensation loss costs, this marks only the second increase in the past six years as Missouri continues to see a long-term downward trend in workplace injury frequency.
“Missouri employers continue to benefit from a strong, competitive market that helps keep costs stable,” DCI Director Angela Nelson said. “Although we’re seeing a small uptick in rates this year, the overall trend continues to show that Missouri workplaces are safer, and costs remain well below historical levels.”
The NCCI annually reviews loss cost data and attributes the modest increase primarily to recent years in which losses have been slightly higher. Despite that, Missouri’s performance remains favorable, supported by improved workplace safety and effective claims management.
The NCCI’s proposed average changes in loss costs by industry group are shown below:
- Manufacturing: +2.9%
- Contracting: +0.3%
- Office & Clerical: +2.1%
- Goods & Services: +0.4%
- Miscellaneous: +1.8%
The NCCI’s 2026 loss cost filing and the department’s independent actuarial review are available on DCI’s website.
“This small increase reflects the natural year-to-year fluctuations we expect in a healthy insurance market,” Director Nelson said. “Missouri’s overall trend remains positive, continuing to deliver affordable coverage for employers while ensuring workers are protected when injuries occur.”
Workers' compensation was mandated by state law in Missouri in 1925. It is a "no-fault" insurance system that pays benefits to workers injured on the job to cover medical care, part of lost wages and permanent disability. In return, employers receive immunity from civil lawsuits by employees over such workplace injuries.
Employers fulfill their workers' compensation obligations by purchasing insurance or becoming a state-certified self-insurer. DCI reviews and approves workers' compensation insurance policy forms and rules, monitors market competitiveness, and oversees the "assigned risk pool" to ensure fair rates and quality service. The department also provides an online rate checker to assist employers with comparison shopping.
The Division of Workers' Compensation of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations oversees the day-to-day operation of the workers’ compensation system, including problems with claims, medical fee disputes and self-insurance. For general questions and policy issues, review DCI’s Workers’ Compensation FAQs.
DCI is charged with protecting Missouri consumers through oversight of the insurance industry, banks, credit unions, utilities and various professional licensees operating in the state. For more information about the department, please visit our website at dci.mo.gov.