ALBANY – For the first time in four years, New York State employers will see a reduction in workers' compensation premium rates. The Governor asked for a reconsideration of the original recommendation in order to find ways to reduce the proposed increase.

Rates to policyholders will actually see a decrease of 1.2 percent – the first reduction in rates since 2008.  Governor Andrew Cuomo also announced that the last measures of the 2007 Workers' Compensation Reform Law, which secured necessary benefit increases for injured workers and cost reductions for businesses, have now been fully implemented by the state. The rate reduction and the expedited implementation of the reforms are a result of efforts by the Governor's administration over the past 18 months to modernize, improve efficiency and decrease waste in the workers' compensation system.

"To create jobs and get our state's economy back on track it is essential that New York's businesses remain in a competitive position to succeed in the global marketplace," Governor Cuomo said. "For years, the workers' compensation system has been too costly for businesses and ineffective for injured workers. With the new measures implemented by the state, and our continued work together with the business and labor communities, we will remain on track to create a system that works better for both employers and employees."

This year, the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board, a non-governmental rate service organization, recommended a cost increase in their annual loss cost filing. After reviewing all filings and written submissions, the administration deemed the rate increase was not to be necessary. As a result of the decision, workers' compensation rates will actually decrease in the upcoming policy year. The rates are determined on an annual basis, and are informed by a variety of factors, including but not limited to experience in the marketplace, implementation of any cost cutting measures, and implementation of any new policies and procedures.

The DFS order and decision disapproving the proposed increase in rates can be found at: www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/hearing/wc_06252012/wc_06252012_Opinion_Decision.pdf