COLUMBUS— Ohio’s public employers will pay nearly $2 million less in premiums next year due to a 1% rate reduction approved by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors today.
This reduction will become effective Jan. 1, 2026, and has a projected annual premium decrease of approximately $1.8 million. This follows a 6% rate cut for private employers that took effect on July 1, 2025, saving employers $60 million.
“Ohio employers remain committed to workplace safety," said Governor Mike DeWine. “This reduction is a direct result of their hard work and focus on safety.”
Overall, the average rate levels for Ohio's 258,000 private and public employers are at their lowest in over 65 years.
“Our low rates reflect the progress and dedication of our customers,” said Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Administrator/CEO Stephanie McCloud. “We continue to create a great business environment for our employers with low and steady rates.”
A recent study by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services found that Ohio had the fifth-lowest rate in the nation as of Jan. 1, 2024. Since the last study, Ohio's average premium index rate has dropped from 83 cents in 2022 to just 68 cents per $100 of payroll.
Ohio's 5th-place ranking is a dramatic improvement from 2008, when it was ranked third highest in premiums across the country.
The proposed rate cut represents an average statewide premium change, including administrative costs. The actual premium paid by individual public employers depends on several factors, including the expected future claims costs in their industry, their company’s recent claims history, and their participation in various BWC programs.
Established in 1912, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio, serving 258,000 public and private employers. With over 1,600 employees and assets of approximately $23 billion, BWC is one of the largest state-run insurance systems in the United States. For more, visit bwc.ohio.gov.
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Media Contacts:
Christian Fuellgraf, (614) 746-0854, christian.f.1@bwc.ohio.gov
Vision: To transform BWC into an agile organization driven by customer success. Mission: To deliver consistently excellent experiences for each BWC customer every day. Core Values: One Agency, Personal Connection, Innovative Leadership, Relentless Excellence.
