Nov 16, 2018

NCCI 2019 WC loss cost decrease of 16.8 percent approved

The Connecticut Insurance Department approved the proposed workers’ compensation loss cost filing made by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, consisting of an overall 16.8 percent decrease.  Also approved is an overall assigned-risk rate decrease of 19.8 percent. These loss costs and rates will take effect Jan. 1, 2019. For more on the CID approval, see its online memorandum and order.

In support of the filing, NCCI made the following key observations:

• Loss experience improved in the latest policy year (2015-16)
• Claim frequency continues its downward trend.
• Indemnity and medical costs per claim has declined in recent years.

Key Components. Components of the 16.8 percent reduction in the overall loss cost level include changes in: 1) experience at -10.5 percent; 2) trend at -8.6 percent; 3) benefits at +1.5 percent; and 4) loss-based expenses at +0.3 percent.

Terrorism/Cat Loss. The terrorism voluntary loss cost remains at $.025 and the assigned risk terrorism rate remains at $.03. There is no change in the catastrophe charge of $.01.

Distribution. The 16.8 percent reduction in the overall loss cost level is broken down by industry sector as follows: manufacturing (-17.5 percent); contracting (-17.6 percent); office and clerical (-17.0 percent); goods and services (-15.9 percent); and miscellaneous (-17.1 percent). Keep in mind that, depending on the industry sector, loss costs for an individual classification could increase as much as 4 percent and decrease as much as 38 percent. For individual voluntary loss costs and assigned risk rates, see PIA QuickSource document No. 06124.

Maximum/minimum payroll. The maximum payroll for executive officers or members of limited liability companies remains at $2,600 and the minimum payroll remains at $1,300. The premium basis for a sole proprietor and partners decreases from $68,300 to $67,500.

Split point. 2015 was the third and final year of the split point transition period for experience rating. In each subsequent loss cost filing, the split point will be indexed by the countrywide severity change. For 2019, the split point increases from $16,500 to $17,000.

Residual market. The flat differential (a reflection of the general experience of risks in this market) remains at 30 percent. There is no change in the Assigned Risk Adjustment Program (25 percent maximum – weighted for severity), the expense constant of $160 and the maximum minimum premium of $1,500.

Loss cost multipliers. In order to convert voluntary lost costs to rates, the insurer’s loss cost multiplier must be applied. These LCMs are filed with the insurance department and are changed periodically by individual insurers. However, these changes need not coincide with the loss costs approved Jan. 1, 2019.