Employers must pay premiums timely to the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) to maintain workers' compensation coverage and remain eligible for valuable discount programs.
As the 2025 policy year (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026) comes to a close, Ohio employers will soon need to reconcile, or "true-up," the payroll used to estimate premiums with their actual payroll figures for the policy year. This annual process is a critical requirement and should not be overlooked.
BWC mailed 2026 estimated annual premium notices and installment schedules around May 1, 2026. Employers who anticipate significant payroll changes during the 2026 rating year should contact BWC at 800-644-6292 to request an adjustment to their payroll estimate and installment schedule.
It is also important to remember that failure to make installment payments by the scheduled due dates can result in a lapse of workers' compensation coverage. The first installment payment for the 2026 policy year will be due in mid to late June.
Employers who pay their full 2026 premium by the June installment due date may qualify for a 2% Early Payment Discount. There is no need to switch to an annual payment option; simply paying the premium in full by the June due date qualifies the employer for the discount, which BWC will issue as a refund the following month.
Looking ahead, BWC is expected to mail true-up notices around July 1, 2026. True-up reporting and any additional premium payments must be completed by August 31, 2026. There is no grace period for this requirement.
Failure to complete the true-up process and pay any additional premium due may result in removal from all discount and rebate programs and could impact eligibility for future discounts and rebates.
If you have questions regarding premium installments, true-up reporting, or your participation in the Graphic Media Alliance Workers' Compensation Program, contact Sedgwick Program Manager Dave Deyo at david.deyo@sedgwick.com.
Graphic Media Alliance members are encouraged to review these deadlines carefully and take action early to avoid coverage issues and preserve valuable program savings opportunities.