WyomingWorkers' Compensation Insurance

When it comes to workers’ compensation insurance, Wyoming is a monopolistic state. This means that employers may only purchase coverage through the state-administered fund.

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services assigns every type of job a base rate for workers’ compensation coverage based on the likelihood of employees suffering severe injuries or illnesses because of the jobs they do.

Let's look at the base rates for a few different industries in Wyoming. These are the rates employers will pay for every $100 of employer payroll.

• Logging:  $6.31
• Apparel manufacturing:  $1.57
• Truck transportation:  $6.12
• Educational services:  $1.99
• Nursing care facilities:  $4.47
• Food and beverage stores:  $3.05
• Securities, commodities contracts, etc.: $0.08

As you can see, workers’ comp rates are higher for jobs with an increased risk of employee injuries. The quoted cost for your business will be based primarily on the number of workers you employ, the kinds of jobs they do, and how much they are paid.

Wyoming state law requires all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for all employees. There are a few exceptions. You do not need to buy coverage for:

• Sole proprietors, partners, or LLC members
• Casual laborers
• Independent contractors
• Volunteers
• The employee's spouse or dependents
• Professional athletes
• Domestic workers (like housekeepers, babysitters, cooks, and gardeners)
• Private duty nurses
• Elected officials

In Wyoming, workers' compensation insurance can only be purchased through the state-administered fund. Private insurance and self-insurance are prohibited. Coverage is required immediately upon hiring a new employee.

In Wyoming, workers' compensation insurance can compensate employees if they suffer from work-related injuries or occupational illnesses. The coverage it provides for these workers includes:

• Medical care: Workers’ compensation insurance will provide full coverage for medical care provided it is directly related to the work injury or condition and is reasonable and necessary. When possible, all medical care should be obtained within Wyoming.
• Lost wages: Workers’ compensation can provide disability payments to employees who must take more than three days off to recuperate from a work-related injury or illness.
• Travel reimbursement: If an injured employee must travel more than 10 miles one way for necessary medical care, workers’ compensation can reimburse mileage or other motor vehicle transportation costs.
• Vocational rehabilitation: Workers whose injuries or illnesses have left them unable to return to their previous job may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services. These services can help them train for and obtain employment appropriate to their physical limitations.
• Death benefits: In worst-case scenarios, workers’ compensation can cover burial costs up to $5,000 and provide the deceased employee’s spouse and dependents with death benefits payable for up to 100 months.

Workers’ compensation covers a lot of worker injuries, but it does have some exclusions.

Workers' comp does not cover:

• Employee injuries sustained outside of working hours, such as during a lunch break.
• Intentional and/or self-inflicted injuries.
• Injuries that occurred while the employee was under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Injuries that occurred while the employee was engaged in horseplay or was in the act of committing a serious crime.
• Compensation for pain and suffering.

If an employee believes that their claim was unjustly denied, they can appeal the decision by requesting a hearing in writing. The appeal must be postmarked within 15 days of the determination notice.

In Wyoming, businesses can show proof of having workers’ compensation insurance by presenting a Certificate of Good Standing. These certificates are issued by the state and can be requested online.

If you need to show compliance/proof of coverage right away, you can email a request for a temporary certificate of good standing to dws-wccert@wyo.gov. When completing the request, you will need to provide your business name, mailing address, and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).

You will also need to provide the business name and mailing address of the company requesting this proof so the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services can send them the proper documentation.

Even though there is only one place to purchase workers’ compensation insurance in Wyoming, it pays to work with an independent insurance agent. These agents can ensure that you understand the ins and outs of your policy and can help you with any other commercial insurance policies you may need for your business.

No business is too small to benefit from the help of an independent agent. Arrange an obligation-free consultation with an independent insurance agent near you to get more information.

No. Workers' compensation benefits are not considered taxable income on the state or federal level.