Key Points of New Hampshire Workers' Compensation in 2018

What Changed in New Hampshire Workers' Compensation for 2018

In 2018 New Hampshire raised the State Fund's premium rates and adjusted the schedule of medical fees, affecting both employer costs and claimant benefits. The most notable shift was the increase in the average workers' comp premium from $1.35 to $1.48 per $100 of payroll, reflecting higher injury costs and a new actuarial study. Employers also faced new reporting deadlines for high‑risk classifications, and the state expanded the list of compensable occupational diseases.

Employer Responsibilities and Premium Calculations

Employers must calculate premiums based on the total payroll of covered employees and the classification code assigned to each job. In 2018 the classification rates were updated, with construction and manufacturing seeing the largest hikes. Premiums are paid quarterly, and late payments incur a 5% penalty plus interest. Employers are required to post the Workers' Compensation Notice in a visible location and maintain up‑to‑date injury logs.

Benefits Available to Injured Workers

Benefit categories remained consistent with prior years: medical treatment, temporary total disability (TTD), permanent partial disability (PPD), and wage replacement. For 2018 the maximum weekly TTD benefit was set at 66% of the average weekly wage, capped at $1,200. PPD awards use a schedule that assigns point values to loss of body parts; the schedule was revised to increase points for spinal injuries. Medical fees are reimbursed according to the state's fee schedule, which now includes higher rates for outpatient physical therapy.

Filing a Claim and Dispute Process

Workers must report injuries to their employer within 30 days and file a claim with the New Hampshire Department of Labor's Workers' Compensation Division within one year of the injury. The 2018 reforms streamlined the electronic filing system, reducing processing time. If a claim is denied, the employee can request a hearing before an administrative law judge; decisions can be appealed to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

Comparative Overview of 2017 vs. 2018