Workers' compensation and monopolistic states

What is workers’ compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance designed to benefit employers and employees in the instance of a workplace injury or illness.

This type of insurance protects workers who become injured or sick due to work-related causes. Coverage pays for their medical expenses and may pay for a portion of their lost wages.

Workers’ comp insurance also protects employers and businesses when a worker is injured or becomes ill on the job.

Workers’ compensation options by state

Workers’ compensation systems vary by state, so knowing your state’s options is important.

Many states offer a competitive state fund, meaning businesses can choose workers’ compensation coverage from the state or a private insurance carrier. However, a few states have a monopolistic state fund.

A monopolistic state fund requires businesses to purchase workers’ comp coverage through the state. Businesses in a monopolistic state cannot obtain workers’ compensation from a private insurer.

The monopolistic states are:

• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Washington
• Wyoming

How to obtain workers’ comp coverage in a monopolistic state

Coverage in North Dakota

Employers in North Dakota can apply for workers’ compensation insurance through North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance. Workers’ compensation coverage is required for most businesses in the state before hiring their first employee.

Coverage in Ohio

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is responsible for workers’ comp coverage in the state. All employers with one or more employees are legally required to have workers’ comp. Coverage becomes effective after the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation receives a completed application for coverage and a $120 application fee.

Coverage in Washington

Workers’ compensation is required for most employers in Washington. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries provides coverage in the state. Employers needing coverage can create a workers’ compensation account with the Department of Labor and Industries.

Coverage in Wyoming

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services provides workers’ compensation coverage in the state. Most employers in Wyoming are required to carry workers’ comp insurance. They can obtain coverage by registering with the Division of Workers’ Compensation.

If you’re an employer expanding outside of a monopolistic state, your business can rely on EverPeak Insurance as a trusted partner for workers’ compensation coverage.

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