What Happened? Late yesterday afternoon, the Florida Chamber of Commerce met with the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) to review the proposed 2022 workers’ comp rates. NCCI, which files rates on behalf of Florida carriers, has proposed a 4.9 percent average decrease across industrial classifications and a 14.1 percent decrease for federal classifications. If approved by the Office of Insurance Regulation, new rates will take effect for new and renewal policies beginning on January 1, 2022.

Why Did Rates Go Down? NCCI cited strong underwriting results, or an underwriting profit, as the reason for the decrease. In addition to underwriting discipline, technology, safer workplaces, improved risk management and a shift from manufacturing to the service sectors have driven down the frequency of claims. NCCI’s filing does not include an adjustment for COVID-19, however, they have filed a separate proposed catastrophe provision, which they believe would be the best way to reflect exposure to future pandemics or other events that would result in significant losses to the workers’ comp system.  What’s Next? The Florida Chamber will monitor these filings as they move through the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s approval process, which could include a public hearing for members of the public to offer feedback. Additionally, the Florida Chamber continues to stand ready to address any cost drivers in the workers’ comp system should the opportunity present itself before the legislature or through agency rulemaking. Since the last major workers’ comp reform led by the Florida Chamber in 2003, workers’ comp rates in Florida have decreased by nearly 70 percent.

Did You Know? Adapting a Safety Culture within your organization is essential to achieve the results of a safer workplace and sustainability. It all starts with proper safety training for your employees, which therefore decreases injuries and downtime while increasing your revenues and productivity. We at the Florida Chamber Safety Council are here to assist you and provide the necessary resources on Safety and Health! For more information, please contact Jason Mozo at jmozo@flchamber.com.
 
 

Florida Chamber of Commerce  l  www.FloridaChamber.com
136 S. Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 l (850) 521-1200