Private workers compensation insurers increased reserve funds last year as their aggregate combined ratio fell below 100% for the first time in nearly a decade, but observers remain concerned about the industry's overall loss reserve position.
With a calendar-year combined ratio of 98% — improved from 102% in 2013 and 109% in 2012 — 2014 marked the first workers comp underwriting gain since 2006, according to a report released this month by the National Council on Compensation Insurance Inc.