New Hampshire
New Hampshire Approves 5.6% Workers' Compensation Loss Cost Decrease for 2025
The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) reports that it has approved a workers’ compensation rate proposal that will reduce voluntary loss costs by 5.6% on average.
The new lower rates will apply to voluntary market policies effective on or after January 1, 2025.
The market has now experienced loss cost decreases for 13 consecutive years, with a cumulative reduction exceeding 65% over this period. The state’s voluntary loss costs went down 14% on average in 2024, down 7% in 2023, and for 2022, they were down 8%.
Loss costs are the portion of an employer’s insurance premium dedicated to covering claims costs. Insurers are required to use the new loss costs and are then permitted to adjust it for their own company expenses.
The rate proposal for 2025 was filed on July 31 by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), the advisory agent that prepares workers’ compensation rate filings for New Hampshire and many other states.
The filing is based on premium and loss experience as of year-end 2023 from policy years 2020, 2021, and 2022 and shows improved experienced relative to the data underlying the filing effective January 1, 2024. According to NCCI, all three years showed similarly favorable experience. The state’s lost-time claim frequency has continued to decline. Indemnity and medical severity both increased slightly after steep declines during the COVID-19 pandemic but despite the slight increase in severity, loss ratios continue to decrease.
“We’re seeing real benefits for businesses and workers alike as the cost of workers’ compensation continues to drop,” said New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt. “The workers’ compensation market in New Hampshire remains robust, offering business owners a wide array of options when selecting coverage.”
The workers’ compensation market across the country remains healthy, according to NCCI. The industry’s calendar year 2023 combined ratio was 86%, a sign of underwriting profitability, and net written premium increased by 1%.
NCCI data shows that injured worker claims frequency has continued to decline on a countrywide basis, while claim severity changes were moderate for 2023.
NCCI credits a continued focus on worker safety and technological advancements as contributing to fewer workplace injuries over time.
While payroll increased by 6% between 2022 and 2023, workers’ compensation system costs have increased at a slower pace than wages during the same period. Also, while economic inflation has been elevated over the past few years, this has not generally translated to higher workers’ compensation medical and indemnity benefit costs, according to NCCI.
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The federal government has activated the New Hampshire National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing in connection with the war with Iran.
“I’ve had a briefing myself, a classified briefing, but it’s really important on the messaging on this that we really coordinate with the Pentagon,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte told reporters during a press briefing following Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.
Ayotte said she was unable to share additional details about the nature of the New Hampshire National Guard’s activity related to the conflict, including how many guard members have been activated or what role they are playing.
“We’re going to respect what messaging comes out of the Pentagon just to make sure that our men and women in uniform are fully protected and that we aren’t providing any information that could be used in a way that would be harmful to them,” Ayotte said.
In a statement Thursday, Ayotte said the unit had been deployed in late February to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the operation.
Earlier this week, Pentagon officials confirmed that members of the Vermont National Guard were involved in attacks against Iran over the weekend, though our news partners at Vermont Public were not able to confirm additional details on the nature of the operation.
During the briefing with local reporters, Ayotte also stressed her support for servicemembers and those close to them.
“I have such respect for our men and women in uniform,” Ayotte said. “As you know, I come from a military family, and they have our full support, and we appreciate them and their families, and obviously anyone who is serving right now, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost someone that they love.”
By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment.
He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads.
The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
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