Which States Are Monopolistic for Workers' Compensation?

When it comes to workers' compensation insurance, most states are competitive, meaning they allow employers to purchase coverage from insurance companies. However, North Dakota, Ohio, Washington, and Wyoming are monopolistic states for workers compensation, which means that the state government is the sole provider of this insurance.

Employers doing business in these states must secure workers' compensation coverage directly from the state fund:

• North Dakota: Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) - www.workforcesafety.com
• Ohio: Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) - www.bwc.ohio.gov
• Washington: Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) - www.lni.wa.gov
• Wyoming: Workers' Safety and Compensation Division - dws.wyo.gov

How does expanding into a Monopolistic State affect my current Workers' Compensation Policy?

If you're considering sending employees into a monopolistic state, you’ll need to realize that your usual process of extending coverage won't apply. Typically, in competitive states, adding another state to your policy is as simple as contacting your national carrier and requesting an endorsement. However, national carriers can’t provide coverage in monopolistic states. We wish we could, but there aren’t any exceptions to the rule.

When expanding into a monopolistic state, you'll need to secure workers' compensation directly from the state-operated fund, which means setting up a new policy specific to that state.

Kickstand Tip: 

Review section 3A of your current workers' compensation policy. This section lists the states where your insurance applies. If you're working across state lines, each state where your employees operate must be listed on your policy. If you're venturing into a monopolistic state, you'll need to obtain separate coverage from the state's fund.

How does Employer Liability Insurance work in Monopolistic States?

In most states, workers' compensation policies provided by insurance companies often include employer liability insurance as Part II of a workers’ comp policy. This coverage protects your business against  lawsuits by employees for work-related injuries or illnesses.

However, in monopolistic states, the state-operated funds typically do not provide employer liability insurance as part of their workers' compensation coverage. This means that when you secure workers' compensation from these state funds, you'll need to separately obtain "stop gap" coverage through an insurance company. 

This additional policy serves to cover the liability risks that the state fund does not, ensuring comprehensive protection for your business against potential claims.

Navigating Monopolistic State Requirements: A Proactive Approach

When planning to work in a monopolistic state, proactive planning is key. Here are some steps to take:

1. Contact the state fund well in advance to ensure you have adequate time to apply for and secure coverage.
2. Review your current insurance policies to identify any gaps that might exist when operating in a monopolistic state.
3. Consider working with an insurance broker who specializes in multi-state businesses and can guide you through the process of obtaining stop gap coverage and other necessary insurance products.
4. Educate your employees about the workers' compensation system in the monopolistic state, including how to report injuries and seek medical attention if needed.

Prepare for Interstate Business with Confidence

If you're navigating the complexities of multi-state operations, our team is here to help ensure you have the right coverage in place for every other state where you do business. Fill out our instant quote form today, and let our team provide you with the expert guidance and tailored insurance solutions you need.